Experimental investigation on mechanical properties of the sandwich structure with orthogonal corrugated core reinforced by polyurethane foam

Abstract The aim of this paper is to explore the effect of polyurethane foam filler on the out‐of‐plane compressive property and low‐velocity impact resistance of the orthogonal corrugated sandwich panel by experimental method. The results show that foam filling increases the energy absorption and specific energy absorption of the orthogonal corrugated sandwich panel by 64.75% and 38.22% under compressive load, respectively. Furthermore, during compression, the filled foam causes the core strut undergo pure buckling failure and gradually folds rather than brittle fracture. Under low‐velocity impact, the strengthening effect of foam filling on the first peak load of the load–displacement of the orthogonal corrugated sandwich panel decreases with the increase of impact energy, while the inhibition effect on the impactor drop increases with the increase of impact energy. The results can provide a reference for the design and optimization of foam‐filled hybrid sandwich structures. Highlights The compressive property and low‐velocity impact resistance of the foam‐filled orthogonal corrugated sandwich panel are tested. The effect of foam filling on the mechanical properties of the orthogonal corrugated sandwich panel is obtained by comparing the out‐of‐plane compressive response and low‐velocity impact response of the empty and foam‐filled orthogonal corrugated sandwich panel and foam sandwich panel. Foam filling can improve the load‐bearing property and energy‐absorbing capacity of the orthogonal corrugated sandwich panel and make it more stable progressive damage.