On the Indentation Resistance of a PC Layer on PVC Foam Substrate

Boyce, AM and Deshpande, VS and Fleck, NA (2017) On the Indentation Resistance of a PC Layer on PVC Foam Substrate. Advanced Engineering Materials, 19. ISSN 1438-1656

Abstract

The indentation response of a polycarbonate face sheet bonded to a PVC foam substrate is investigated experimentally and numerically. The deformation mode involves foam crushing, and membrane stretching of the PC layer at large indenter displacements; this is quantified using optical strain measurement techniques. The bottom corners of the foam substrate lifts off its underlying support when the foam layer is sufficiently thin. Peak load is dictated by tensile failure of the foam on the bottom face. Finite element simulations suggest that a deep foam core prevents this lift-off and results in a greater load carrying and energy absorption capacity.