Static and dynamic responses of a novel Al nanocomposite foam/sandwich structure under bending, impact and quasi-static compression tests

The aim of this study is to analyze mechanical properties of a new Al sandwich structure with a foam core reinforced by 0.75 wt% silicon carbide nanoparticles. The reinforced core as the main component of the sandwich structure is examined by nanoindentation, quasi-static compression, impact and three-point bending tests. The behavior of the nanocomposite foam core sandwiched with AA3103 facing sheets is also analyzed under three-point bending test. The results showed that the silicon carbide nanoparticles play an important role in enhancing the Young's modulus and hardness of the metallic matrix, static compressive strength, energy absorption of the foam core as well as load carrying capacity and maximum deflection of the sandwich structure. However, they have no significant influence on the morphological features, impact and bending properties of the foam core. The effectiveness of the silicon carbide nanoparticles was dependent on the dominant deformation mode and failure mechanism of specimens under the applied loadings.