Issue 47

F. Cucinotta et alii, Frattura ed Integrità Strutturale, 47 (2019) 367-382; DOI: 10.3221/IGF-ESIS.47.27 377 result of the bending tests. The A sandwich has a higher stiffness and the peak load before the failure is almost double of that of the B sandwich. (a) (b) Figure 11 : Drop test simulations: (a) FE model and (b) vertical displacements map. A Sandwich B Sandwich Maximum load before failure [kN] 14.07 7.53 Deflection to maximum load [mm] 13.59 12.90 Stiffness [kN/mm] 0.59 0.33 Table 10 : Mean values for specimens of A sandwich and B sandwich. The experimental results were then compared with numerical analysis in terms of load-displacement curve, as shown in Fig. 12. The FE model gave a good representation of the linear behaviour before damage, and also a reliable estimation of damage initiation. When the damage level increased, anyway, convergence problems arose, which limited the simulation range. Imposed vertical velocity Striker Skins (shell) Steel plates (shell) Core (brick) Machine top (fixed support) Screws (beam)