Low-velocity impact resistance of aluminium glass laminates - Experimental and numerical investigation

The purpose of the present study was to determine the nature and area of damage in fibre metal laminates subjected to low-velocity impact using a numerical model based on defined damage criteria in relation to executed experimental tests. The plates 1.5-3.5 mm thick made of aluminium/epoxy-glass composite produced in autoclave process were subjected to tests. The low-velocity impact test was performed at room temperature using a drop-weight impact tester with impact energy 10 J and 25 J. On the basis of obtained results, the results of experimental tests and numerical analyses have been found compatible in the scope of specific relationships i.e. force vs. time, internal damage areas and laminates damage mechanism prevailing in their structure. The principal laminates damage forms encompassed delaminations occurring in composite interlayers and on metal-composite interface, cracks in composite layers and in lower layers of metal. Presented modelling of impact in fibre metal laminates using VUMAT code enables the evaluation of their structure damage and the selection of proper laminate configuration in future in terms of their resistance to low-velocity impact.