Abstract: ObjectivesIn order to study the impact mechanical properties of composite sandwich panels, the orthogonal braided glass fiber composite sandwich panels with PVC foam core are selected as the research object and their sizes were 150×100×26mm. The dynamic response and residual compressive strength of composite sandwich panels under single-point low-velocity impact after impact are studied. MethodsFirstly, a series of drop hammer impact tests were conducted to study the failure modes, impact force-displacement responses and energy absorption characteristics of sandwich panels under different impact energies. Then, quasi-static compression experiments were conducted to investigate the maximum compression load capacity and residual compressive strength of composite sandwich panels with impact damage. ResultsResearch results show that there are significant differences in the failure modes and impact force-displacement characteristics of sandwich panels under different impact energies. The core mainly absorbs the impact energy through compression deformation. As the impact energy increases, the maximal impact force, dent depth and absorbed energy of composite sandwich panels are gradually increasing while the maximum compression load capacity and residual strength of the sandwich panel structure after impact are decreasing. The damage degree of impacted panel of sandwich structures determines the residual compressive strength of composite sandwich panels. Conclusions This research work can provide some references for the impact resistance design of naval ship structures.