Impact to composite box containing water and baffles

Abstract

A series of experimental tests were conducted for low-velocity impact on a composite box containing water in order to study the fluid–structure interaction (FSI). Then, baffles were inserted in the box to examine their effect on the structural response of the composite box. Finally, a computational study was conducted to supplement the experimental study. The water level inside the composite box was varied incrementally from 0% (i.e., no water) to 100% (full water). The impact velocity was also changed. In the experimental study, strain gauges and the load cell were used to measure the strain responses at the front, side, and back surfaces as well as the impact force. The results showed that the FSI effect was significant to the structural responses depending on the water level. The effect of the baffle was different among the front, side, and back surfaces. Both experimental and numerical results agreed well.