An analysis of rotationally moulded sandwich structure's repeated impact properties

Authors: Saifullah, A., Thomas, B., Cripps, R., Tabeshfar, K. and Wang, L.

Journal: AIP Conference Proceedings

Volume: 2607

eISSN: 1551-7616

ISSN: 0094-243X

DOI: 10.1063/5.0135776

Abstract:

Repeated impact properties of fully recyclable rotationally moulded polyethylene (PE) sandwich samples were experimentally investigated in this work. Testing was carried out with an impact force sensor attached drop weight impactor at 20 J to 50 J energy levels. These sandwich structures used in marine, automotive, large tanks and other applications, are susceptible to small damage due to impact events with floating debris, collisions or friction with other vehicles, crafts etc. in their service life which can grow with time and repeated impacts leading to a catastrophic failure. To avoid this unexpected situation, an in-depth understanding of repeated impact properties of this sandwich structure is essential. The repeated impact properties were analysed in terms of impact force-deflection, maximum impact force, impact damage and the total number of repeated impacts needed for sample penetration. A lower impact energy level showed a higher total repeated impact events to penetrate sandwich samples fully. The maximum impact force vs the repeated impact number figure exhibited three different regions which are related to the damage mechanisms of tested rotationally moulded sandwich samples.

Source: Scopus