Abstract:The quasi-static indentation behavior of sandwich beams with a metal foam core was investigated. An analytical model was developed to predict the large deflections of indention of the sandwich beams with a metal foam core subjected to a concentrated loading. The interaction of plastic bending and stretching in the local deformation regions of the face sheet was considered in the analytical model. Moreover, the effects of the shear strength of the foam core on the indentation behavior were discussed in detail. The finite element simulations were preformed to validate the theoretical model. Comparisons between the analytical predictions and finite element results were conducted and good agreement was achieved. The results show that the membrane force dominates indentation behavior of the sandwich beams when the maximum deflection exceeds the thickness of the face sheet.

Key words: indentation; sandwich beam; energy absorption; metal foam; large deflection