Strain rate effect analysis of hybrid composites under the high-velocity impact

Abstract

In this paper, the damage behavior of fiber metal laminate (FML) is studied under high-velocity impact (HVI) at different strain rates (1 s−1, 100 s−1, and 1000 s−1) for flat, hemisphere, and sharp nosed projectiles. A finite element model has been used to examine the damage modes and failure processes of carbon fiber reinforced aluminium laminates (CRALLs) under HVI. This study is based on continuum damage mechanics. The damage criteria for aluminium (Al) and carbon fiber composite layers are identified by Johnson-Cook (J-C) and Hashin damage models, respectively. To analyse the inter-laminar de-lamination caused by the HVI, a cohesive surface regulated by bi-linear traction-separation is applied. The CRALL ballistic limit is analysed for different projectiles, which strike at initial velocity ranges from 60 m/s to 150 m/s to the CRALL. The obtained numerical results are in good agreement with the literature experimental results, which indicates the model is permissible for further analysis. The obtained results show that if strain rate varies from 1 s−1 to 1000 s−1 then CRALL ballistic limit velocity increases for all projectiles. The CRALL ballistic limit is the highest for flat nosed projectiles, followed by hemisphere and sharp nosed projectiles.