Low-velocity impact response of fiber-metal laminates consisting of different standard GLARE grades

This article deals with the dynamic response of thin circular clamped GLARE (GLAss REinforced) fiber-metal laminates subjected to low-velocity impact by a lateral hemispherical impactor, striking at the center with constant kinetic energy. The laminates have equal total thickness and consist of GLARE 2A-3/2-0.4, GLARE 2A-4/3-0.238, GLARE 3-3/2-0.4, GLARE 4-3/2-0.317, and GLARE 5-3/2-0.233 standard grades. Three different plate diameters are considered for each GLARE grade. Their dynamic response is predicted by solving previously published differential equations of motion corresponding to a spring-mass modeling of the impact phenomenon. The obtained results are analyzed and compared in order to understand and evaluate the performance of the examined material grades along with the effect of different plate radius. With reference to the radius variation, it is found that it affects substantially the overall impact behavior of a GLARE plate. As far as the examined material grades are concerned, similarities and differences related with their impact behavior are recorded and a comparative evaluation is implemented. Characteristic variables associated with the low-velocity impact response of fiber-metal laminates are discussed and pertinent design recommendations are proposed.