Low-Velocity Impact Response of GLARE Laminates Under Multiple Spherical Impacts

The present work investigates interfacial delamination in a glass aluminum reinforced epoxy (GLARE) plates under multiple low-velocity spherical impacts. The 3D FE formulation developed using Hertz contact law and Newmark-β scheme investigates the dynamic response of GLARE 5-2/1 and GLARE 4-3/2 plates under multiple spherical impacts. Interfacial stresses and interface delamination of GLARE plates under such impacts are assessed and the nature in which the metal-volume fraction, impactor velocities, and sequence of impacts influence the delamination at the interfaces has been assessed. It is seen that the time interval between two impacts, metal-volume fraction, and the outer aluminum thickness noticeably influence the contact force peaks attained as well as the contour of the delamination at the aluminum–composite interfaces.