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The compressive response of cross-linked and linear PVC foam core materials, namely, H130 and HD130 having identical densities were evaluated. Both cores were subjected to compressive loading at various strain rates ranging from quasi-static to 1560 s1. At quasi-static loading, the compressive strength of the H grade was approximately 30% higher than the HD grade. On the other hand, at HSR loading the HD grade was 20% higher. HSR tests were also conducted at various temperatures ranging from 25 to 12°C. It was observed that degradation of strength was more severe for the HD grade as temperatures increased. A recovery of the cores original volume was also noticed during high strain rate and elevated temperature tests. Accordingly, residual properties were determined. Results show that only the residual properties of the HD grade were affected by temperature.

The objective of this study is to investigate the dynamic response of S2-glass–vinylester foam core sandwich specimens at low temperatures. Sub-ambient testing condition was achieved using liquid nitrogen. The effect of the sandwich core density as well as microstructure was explored. Results from the stress–strain curves suggested that the energy absorption of the sandwich specimen was predominantly through progressive failure. Although a nominal increase in compressive strength was observed at sub-ambient temperature in respect to its room temperature, the effect of low temperature on the failure modes was severe. Each category of sandwich specimen portrayed its own unique mode of failure.

Cross-linked polyvinyl chloride closed-cell foams were examined under quasi-static and high strain rate compression loading using a servo-hydraulic testing machine and a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus consisting of polycarbonate bars for strain rates up to 1900 s −1 . Three foam densities were examined viz. 75, 130, and 300 kg/m 3 . Each core density has been subjected to compressive loading at room and elevated temperatures. A reverse trend in failure modes was observed when moving from room to elevated temperatures at high strain loading, which was not found in quasi-static testing at elevated temperatures. Accordingly, post-impact tests were conducted to evaluate the residual strength of the foam cores subject to elevated temperatures and HSR. Results of the post-impact test revealed that the foam cores are still capable of taking some loading. The residual strength of cores was fairly constant regardless of temperature therefore recovery of volume does not signify an increase in residual strength of cores.

In this study, cross-linked poly-vinylchloride (PVC) closed-cell foams were examined under high strain rate compression loading using a servohydraulic testing machine and a modified Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) apparatus with a steel incident bar and a polycarbonate transmitter bar for strain rates up to 2000 s−1. Three foam densities were examined, viz. 75, 130, and 260 kg/m3. The stress and strain-time history and stress-strain behavior were evaluated. An increase of stress and strain was observed for all categories of foam as strain rate increased. A post impact study was also performed to evaluate the failure modes of the foam cores. A densification band of collapsed cells was the major mode of failure.