Finite element analysis of configuration and fiber orientation effects on fiber metal laminates subjected to low velocity impact

The effects of configuration and fiber orientation on the performance of fiber metal laminates (FMLs) subjected to low velocity impact has been investigated. A finite element model has been firstly validated credible, and then it was adopted to simulate the impact response of other four types of FMLs with some differences in configuration or fiber layup orientation to compare with the experimental one. The analysis illustrated that 3/2 configuration FMLs has better impact characteristic than 2/1 configuration FMLs. Meanwhile, fiber orientation of woven glass fiber prepregs could be designed to offer FMLs with different impact resistance. These results are valuable for the purpose of designing the anti-impact aerospace structures when using FMLs panels.