Enhancing mechanical properties of cellular core sandwich panels: a review of topological parameters and design improvements

Abstract Sandwich panels’ exceptional mechanical properties and low density, owing to their multifunctional characteristics and innovative design, made them a popular choice in numerous industries. Sandwich panels with cellular cores are known for their exceptional energy absorption properties, which make them effective energy absorbers for high-impact scenarios such as accidents or explosions. For advancing research on sandwich panels, it is vital to develop innovative designs that can enhance their energy absorption and flexural stiffness. This review outlines the most essential topological parameters that influence the mechanical properties of cellular core structures. This paper gives insight into recent advancements related to optimizing sandwich panel structures for various engineering applications. The topological parameters investigated by researchers include core structure, thickness, number of layers, and material. The choice of core material governs the overall mechanical behavior of the panel. In this paper, various structures, including foam, honeycomb, lattice, corrugated, bioinspired, and various materials, are compared. Functionally graded structures were also explored in the literature as they can significantly optimize the response of sandwich panels in high and low-velocity impact applications. Similarly, a multi-layered core structure can enhance the total stiffness and specific energy absorption of the panel.