  Recent interest in Arctic exploration has brought new challenges concerning
the mechanical behavior of lightweight materials for offshore structures.
Exposure to seawater and cold temperatures are known to degrade the mechanical
properties of several materials, thus, compromising the safety of personnel and
structures. This study aims to investigate the low-velocity impact behavior of
woven carbon/vinyl ester sandwich composites with PVC foam core at low
temperatures for marine applications. The tests were performed in a drop tower
impact system with an in-built environmental chamber. Impact responses, such as
the contact force, displacement and absorbed energy, at four impact energies of
7.5 J, 15 J, 30 J, and 60 J were determined at four in-situ temperatures of 25
C, 0 C, -25 C and -50 C. Results showed that temperature has a significant
influence on the dynamic impact behavior of sandwich composites. The sandwich
composites were rendered stiff and brittle as the temperature decreased, which
has a detrimental effect on their residual strength and durability. For
example, at 60 J for all temperatures, the samples experienced perforation of
the top facing and core, and the back facing exhibited varying extent of
damage. At -25 C and -50 C, the sandwich composite samples were almost
completely perforated. At all impact energies, the sandwich composites were
rendered stiff and brittle as the temperature decreased, which has a
detrimental effect on their residual strength and durability.
