Effect of symmetric and asymmetric aluminum arrangements on the low-velocity impact performance of glass fiber-reinforced aluminum laminate (GLARE)

Glass fiber-reinforced aluminum laminate (GLARE) possesses superior impact performance than both metal and fiber-reinforced composite. It was found previously that the low-velocity impact (LVI) performance of GLARE is governed by aluminum at different locations. This implies that reasonably rearranging aluminum in GLARE may bring in some improvements if the functions of different aluminum are all fully played. In this view, the effect of aluminum arrangement on the LVI performance of GLARE was investigated by separately comparing eight symmetric and eight asymmetric GLARE. Finite element analysis was adopted due to its advantage in quantitatively capturing the detailed damage parameters, and it was verified by LVI tests under different impact energy. The LVI performance was elucidated from both impact resistance and energy absorption aspects, where the former included the force and damage responses, and the latter involved the energy absorbed ratio and absorption efficiency. Based on the mechanical and damage parameters, impact resistance and energy absorption factors were proposed for comprehensive characterization. It revealed that arranging aluminum symmetrically in GLARE by placing thinner aluminum in the middle is an effective way to improve its LVI performance.