Comparative study on low velocity impact response of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer/ thermoplastic elastomer based fiber metal laminates with and without interleaving of elastomeric layer

Abstract

This work compares the low velocity impact (LVI) behavior of conventional fiber metal laminate (FML) with hybrid fiber metal laminates (H-FML) that include an elastomer layer. The aim is to demonstrate the potential of the proposed composite comprising metal, elastomer, and carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) to meet the high demands of emerging products that require lightweight materials. Experimental methodologies and finite element (FE) analysis are used to assess the impact behavior of FML and H-FML. The study evaluates various internal damage processes and the distribution of energy of each ingredient and interaction during the LVI to understand the behavior of the laminates. The results show that the inclusion of elastomer leads to a wider energy distribution and greater participation of the proposed H-FML composites in bearing the load rather than focusing only on the impact area. The materials are used more efficiently in energy absorption since a more extensive energy distribution inside the hybrid laminate takes place. The amount and proportion of energy absorption by each component in laminates are influenced by introduction of the elastomer. The study highlights the potential of using innovative hybrid laminates for energy absorption, and the placement of the elastomer in the laminates affects the extent of energy absorption by each component.