One-dimensional response of sandwich plates to underwater shock loading

Abstract The one-dimensional shock response of sandwich plates is investigated for the case of identical face sheets separated by a compressible foam core. The dynamic response of the sandwich plates is analysed for front face impulsive loading, and the effect of strain hardening of the core material is determined. For realistic ratios of core mass to face sheet mass, it is found that the strain hardening capacity of the core has a negligible effect upon the average through-thickness compressive strain developed within the core. Consequently, it suffices to model the core as an ideally plastic-locking solid. The one-dimensional response of sandwich plates subjected to an underwater pressure pulse is investigated by both a lumped parameter model and a finite element (FE) model. Unlike the monolithic plate case, cavitation does not occur at the fluid–structure interface, and the sandwich plates remain loaded by fluid until the end of the core compression phase. The momentum transmitted to the sandwich plate increases with increasing core strength, suggesting that weak sandwich cores may enhance the underwater shock resistance of sandwich plates.