Modeling, characterization and parametric identification of low velocity impact behavior of time-dependent hyper-viscoelastic sandwich panels

Accurate and deep understanding of the mechanical and physical behavior of sandwich panels with soft elastomeric foams, e.g. cellular solids, such as ethylene vinyl acetate is a key task in designing these structures, and also optimizing their mechanical behavior. The main objective of the present research is to present an applicable method to determine the non-linear hyper-viscoelastic response of elastomeric sandwich panels to low velocity impact loadings, by presenting an applied method. A combination of experimental results and finite element analysis, in conjunction with optimization method is used to determine the hyper-viscoelastic behavior of the studied sandwich panels. The suggested combinational approach can replace the time-consuming and expensive creep and/or relaxation experiments. A relatively simple approach is proposed to identify time-dependent viscoelastic material behavior of elastomeric foams. The calibrated finite element model is utilized to perform a set of parametric studies and the effect of various material properties is studied on the low velocity impact response of sandwich plates.

Polymeric foams with functional nanocomposite cells

Elastomeric foams with controlled cell size and composition are formed by using calcium alginate hydrogel beads as templates.