Impact characterization of thermoformable fibre metal laminates of 2024-T3 aluminium and AZ31B-H24 magnesium based on self-reinforced polypropylene

In this work, the impact behaviour of an AZ31B-H24 magnesium-based fibre metal laminate (FML) and a 2024-T3 aluminium-based FML with self-reinforced polypropylene (SRPP) is analysed. The study focused on determining the impact properties of the FMLs and explaining the differences between their impact responses. Additionally, in the comparative study, a single SRPP was included as reference base material. Low-velocity impact tests were performed by using a drop-weight machine. The failure energy for cracking of metal sheets, onset of fibre breakage in the composite constituent and total perforation of the laminate were identified by correlating force–time curves measured from impacts with images of impacted specimens obtained by a macroscope. Moreover, the ‘energy profile method’ was used to identify the penetration and perforation thresholds enabling the definition of the no-penetration and the penetration phases. The results revealed that the Al-FML presented more specific resistance and energy dissipation capacity under impact than the Mg-FML.