Ballistic impact response of fiber-metal laminates and monolithic metal plates consisting of different aluminum alloys

In this article, the ballistic impact response of square clamped fiber-metal laminates and monolithic plates consisting of different aluminum alloys is investigated using the ANSYS LS-DYNA explicit nonlinear analysis software. The panels are subjected to central normal high velocity ballistic impact by a cylindrical projectile. The implemented finite element models have been validated by comparison with published experimental data concerning GLARE 5 and monolithic 2024-T3 aluminum plates. Using the validated models, the influence of the mechanical properties of the constituent aluminum alloy on the ballistic resistance of the fiber-metal laminates and the monolithic plates is studied. Apart from 2024-T3, the aluminum alloys 2024-T351, 2024-O, 6061-T6, 7039 and 7075-T6 are considered. It is found that the ballistic limits of the panels can be substantially affected by the constituent aluminum alloy. The 7075-T6 aluminum alloy offers the highest ballistic resistance whereas 2024-O aluminum alloy offers the lowest ballistic resistance.