Dynamic compression failure mechanisms and dynamic effects of integrated woven sandwich composites

Low-velocity dynamic compression tests were performed to reveal the failure mechanism and the energy absorption capacity of the integrated woven sandwich composite. Shear deformations were induced by the tilting of fiber piles in the core of the integrated woven sandwich composite. Ductile load–displacement curves are featured by a long deformation plateau originated from rotations of the core piles. Densification is apparent in the later stage of compression. Stout piles in the core also lead to plastic compression failure mode accompanying with much smaller rotations of core piles. Controlled by the latter failure mode, the dynamic strength and the energy absorption of the panel are stronger. In dynamic compression experiments, the integrated woven sandwich composite panels exhibit similar failure modes with those observed in quasi-static compression tests. The dynamic strength is much greater and the corresponding deformation plateau is much more stable, which leads to greater energy absorption. The dynamic effects of the strength and the energy absorption were explained by the dynamic buckling of the woven struts in the core. The tests suggest that the integrated woven sandwich composite is ideal to serve as a lightweight anti-impact material in engineering structures.