Impact behavior of hybrid CFRP-elastomer-metal laminates in comparison with conventional fiber-metal laminates impacted with different energies
Topic(s) : Material and Structural Behavior - Simulation & Testing
Co-authors :
Zhongyu LI (CHINA), Alexander JACKSTADT (GERMANY), Junyuan ZHANG , Luise KÄRGER (GERMANY)Abstract :
Hybrid materials are expected to achieve significant advancements in both weight reduction and performance. Fiber-metal laminates (FMLs) are widely recognized as outstanding lightweight materials for the design of advanced structures [1]. To improve their mechanical characteristics, it is possible to enhance common FMLs, such as glass-fiber-reinforced aluminum (GLARE), by incorporating carbon fibers. However, the combination of carbon fibers with aluminum gives rise to interfacial challenges resulting from electrochemical potential. Effectively addressing galvanic corrosion through the use of elastomeric interlayers presents a viable solution [2, 3]. Prior to employing hybrid CFRP-elastomer-metal laminates (HyCEMLs) in industrial applications, a comprehensive evaluation of its impact performance is necessary to further validate its technical viability.
This study is based on our previous work [4] and investigates the low-velocity impact responses and damage mechanisms of HyCEMLs compared to conventional FMLs by considering variations in impact energy levels. Impact behavior with impact energies ranging from 3 J to 30 J is evaluated for FMLs and HyCEMLs by numerical and experimental methods. The force–time, force-displacement, and energy-time histories are compared and discussed. Furthermore, damage mechanisms including metal plasticity, metal failure, delamination, and CFRP failure are revealed. The energy dissipation due to each mechanism is further quantified with regard to different impact energies. In addition, the energy release ratio of each component of the hybrid laminates after impact is evaluated in order to determine the recovery state of materials in potential applications. It is found that the initial damage force of HyCEML is increased, while the peak force and structural stiffness are reduced. The observed damage mechanism of FML and HyCEML are in competition during the impact and make different contributions to the total energy dissipation. The relation of those contributions varies with different impact energies. Additionally, the elastomer changes the damage mechanisms and energy release ratios of each component of the hybrid laminate which is useful to improve usage efficiency of hybrid materials. The findings of this work will assist in the assessment of impact damage resistance of hybrid laminates and provides added value for composite design engineers to design specific mechanisms for optimal energy dissipation based on given requirements.
This study is based on our previous work [4] and investigates the low-velocity impact responses and damage mechanisms of HyCEMLs compared to conventional FMLs by considering variations in impact energy levels. Impact behavior with impact energies ranging from 3 J to 30 J is evaluated for FMLs and HyCEMLs by numerical and experimental methods. The force–time, force-displacement, and energy-time histories are compared and discussed. Furthermore, damage mechanisms including metal plasticity, metal failure, delamination, and CFRP failure are revealed. The energy dissipation due to each mechanism is further quantified with regard to different impact energies. In addition, the energy release ratio of each component of the hybrid laminates after impact is evaluated in order to determine the recovery state of materials in potential applications. It is found that the initial damage force of HyCEML is increased, while the peak force and structural stiffness are reduced. The observed damage mechanism of FML and HyCEML are in competition during the impact and make different contributions to the total energy dissipation. The relation of those contributions varies with different impact energies. Additionally, the elastomer changes the damage mechanisms and energy release ratios of each component of the hybrid laminate which is useful to improve usage efficiency of hybrid materials. The findings of this work will assist in the assessment of impact damage resistance of hybrid laminates and provides added value for composite design engineers to design specific mechanisms for optimal energy dissipation based on given requirements.