Localised blast loading of fibre–metal laminates with a polyamide matrix

This paper presents the results of localised blast tests on fully clamped square fibre–metal laminate panels, manufactured using sheets of 2024-O aluminium alloy, woven glass–fibre reinforced polyamide and a polypropylene adhesive. The fracture properties of the composite–metal interface were determined using the single cantilever beam geometry and the measured interfacial fracture toughness was between values in the literature for thermosetting composites and aluminium/glass fibre polypropylene. Observations from blast experiments performed on panels with different stacking configurations are reported. Diamond and circular back face damage were observed, along with pitting, global displacement and tearing of the front face. Examinations of sectioned panels are presented and multiple debonding, plastic deformation and fibre fracture were identified within the panels.