Dynamic response of cylindrical sandwich panels with coaxial and concentric honeycombs under blast loads

This study comprehensively investigated the blast resistance characteristics of cylindrical sandwich panels with coaxial and concentric honeycombs through experimental and numerical approaches. Experimental results revealed two distinct deformation mechanisms. Coaxial honeycomb structures exhibited superior anti-deformation capability through localized core deformation, while concentric honeycomb structures demonstrated global deformation modes with energy absorption primarily occurring in the top face-sheet. The energy absorption of the coaxial honeycomb structure is about 50.2 % higher than that of the concentric honeycomb structure. Besides, the numerical simulation further showed that as the radius of curvature decreased from infinity to 200 mm, the maximum deflection at the failure edge of coaxial and concentric honeycomb structure was reduced by 28.6 % and 14.7 %, respectively. It is worth noting that the concentric structures are more susceptible to the effects of radius of curvature and blast loading. Compared to the cylindrical shape, the spherical shape not only improves the energy absorption by more than 10 %, but also changes the main energy-absorbing component of the concentric structure from the top face-sheet to the core. These findings provide valuable insights for the design of blast-resistant sandwich structures, revealing the critical role of core configuration and geometric structure in energy absorption and deformation control. It provides a scientific basis for developing more efficient and safer blast-proof designs in engineering practice. • The cylindrical sandwich panels with coaxial and concentric honeycombs exhibit two different damage patterns under blast loads. • The effect of curvature on the mechanical properties is not significant under extreme loads. • Spherical structures exhibit better mechanical properties than cylindrical structures.