An integrated study on the low-velocity impact response of the GLARE fibre-metal laminate

A progressive quasi-static approach was developed to study the low-velocity impact response of GLARE fibre-metal laminates. The impacting mass, impact force, and impact duration were assessed for the projectile. Ply-angle orientation, aluminium thickness, plate dimensions, global flexure, and failure modes were addressed for the target plate. The in-plane stress analysis was enhanced by considering residual curing stresses, contact area increase during perforation, and strain rate effect on material properties. In comparison to test results, the model predicted with a precision of 5% contact time, impact force, maximum displacement, perforation energy, and impact velocity. In addition to these common impact characteristics, further evaluation gave relevant insight on the role of the material constituents, i.e. 2024-T3 aluminium and S2-glass/FM94-epoxy prepreg, with respect to energy absorption, plate flexure, and damage progression. The generic nature of the developed method can support the optimisation of high-performance multi-material structures.