Oblique Low-Velocity Impact on Fiber-Metal Laminates

In the present study, oblique low-velocity impact (OLVI) on GLARE fiber-metal laminates (FMLs) has been modeled using finite element analysis (FEA) for the first time. Two types of boundary conditions (BCs) can be considered for impactor in the low-velocity impact: constrained (if the impact angle between the impactor and target remains constant during and after the contact) and free (if rotation of the impactor and change in angle with respect to the target is likely) BCs. The more details of these BCs are described in the paper. The OLVI is numerically modeled for four different impact angles. Effect of BC types and impact angle on energy absorption, as well as maximum contact force, is investigated. Due to lack of experimental results for the OLVI on FMLs in the open literature, the authors had to validate the present modelling via the experimental data of the perpendicular low-velocity impact. An excellent agreement was obtained between the numerical results and the experimental data. The results of present study reveal that at the same impact angle, the maximum contact force and energy absorption are greater for the constraint oblique impact (Constrained OLVI). In addition, in the Constrained OLVI, the maximum energy absorption occurs at larger impact angles, while this occurs at smaller impact angles for free oblique impact (Free OLVI). The conclusion to be drawn from all of the cases studied in this paper is that the maximum contact force occurs in the Constrained OLVI with smaller impact angles. Moreover, the maximum energy absorption takes place in the Constrained OLVI at higher impact angles.