Analytical modelling of low-velocity impact response characterization of titanium and glass fibre reinforced polymer hybrid laminate composites

Abstract

The low-velocity impact behaviour and energy absorption mechanisms of fibre​ metal laminates (FMLs) at different impact energy levels before the first composite failure are derived analytically using a mass–spring arrangement. Four FML layups comprise glass fibre/epoxy layers and titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V sheets, unveiling the same total metal layer thickness. The impactor mass consequence is also predicted. The results specify that the deformation energy of FML constituents accounts primarily for the FMLs overall energy absorption, 86%–93%, and 87%–93%, with both membrane and bending strain energy, and membrane strain energy only, separately. Here, a higher percentage of energy is absorbed by FML 4/3–0.3, followed by FMLs 3/2–0.3(O), 3/2–0.4, and 2/1–0.6. FMLs are 16 % more impact resistant than equivalent monolithic titanium. Also, the predicted force history of FMLs is in good comparison with experiments at 30 J, with membrane energy only correlating well than with both membrane and bending energy. The estimated maximum force, entire energy absorption of FMLs is realistic with experiments at 30 J, 45 J, and 60 J. The predicted response of aluminium-based FMLs also matches well with experiments at various energy, preserving the presented model strength. Further, the behaviour of FMLs is to be comparable under low- and high-mass impactors. However, FMLs maximum force and energy absorption seem to be correspondingly lower and higher under a high-mass impactor. Higher impact resistance seems to be displayed by titanium- to aluminium-based FMLs. Also, the above FMLs appear to display higher total energy absorption under low- to high-velocity impact.