Impact Energy Absorption of FML: A Parametric Study

The present study investigates and evaluates the energy absorption characteristics of the Aluminum-based Carbon fiber/epoxy resin laminates (Al-CF FMLs) experimentally and numerically. The composite laminate fabricated with carbon fiber and aluminum layers was impacted by a steel projectile with near Mach velocity using bullet impact rig. The velocity of projectile before and after the event of impact was determined to calculate amount of energy dissipated. The validation of the numerical model was simulated in LS-Dyna® and ballistic resistance and effect of obliquity was studied. The outcomes of this study provided the understanding of the Al-CF FMLs being capable of efficiently absorbing energy at higher impact velocity and higher obliquity of the projectiles. This study reveals that FMLs are most efficient as impact shield for impact velocities near their ballistic limit.