Viscoelastic performance analysis of steel strip embedded E-Glass fibre hybrid laminate

Fibre metal laminates (FMLs) are a combination of metal alloys and composite materials that have been utilised for years to meet customised performance requirements. Seven distinct material configurations with three different layup sequences have been studied for investigation of viscoelastic performance parameters i.e. storage modulus, loss modulus and damping factor. The effect of EN42J steel as an additional reinforcement along with E-glass fibre epoxy laminate on the enhancement in the dynamic mechanical behaviour of the hybrid laminate was studied. The viscoelastic behaviour of the hybrid laminate was experimented, and the results obtained were interpreted on the basis of storage modulus, loss modulus and damping parameter. The enhancements in dynamic mechanical properties were noted with an increase in the volumetric quantum of reinforcement and placement of steel strips at optimum location across the thickness of the specimen.