Finite Element Simulation of Tensile Preload Effects on High Velocity Impact Behavior of Fiber Metal Laminates

As primary structures and protective structures, fiber metal laminates (FMLs) in practical application are always in preload states before possible impact damage threats. In this work, a nonlinear finite element (FE) model is developed to study the impact damage scenario where tensile preloaded FMLs are impacted by a hemispherical nose projectile at high velocities. In the modeling, the intra-layer damage in aluminum sheets and composite laminates and the delamination between adjacent plies are entirely included. The FE model is verified with available experimental results in non-preload condition and then applied to predict the high velocity impact behavior in uniaxial and biaxial tensile preload cases. The ballistic performance and damage response of representative FMLs with different preloads and impact velocities are discussed and analyzed in detail. The numerical results and modeling strategy here provides applicable reference for preloaded impact issues in other FMLs.