Progressive Damage and Impact Behavior of Carbon Fiber/Epoxy‐Aluminum 2024‐ T3 CARALL Composites: Experimental Investigation and Hybrid Finite Element Modeling Approach

Abstract

The present work investigates the dynamic response of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Reinforced Aluminum 2024‐T3 FML with a 2/1 stacking arrangement subjected to low velocity impacts. Low velocity impact tests were conducted by drop weight impact tests using hemispherical impactor at an impact energy range of 60–120 J. Hybrid finite element modeling of the laminate in Abaqus Explicit is carried out using 3D solid elements for the aluminum plates and shell elements for the composite layer. The Johnson Cook damage criteria for aluminum layers and Hashin damage criteria for the composite layer are used in the modeling procedure. Good correlation between the experimental and numerical results for forces, energy, and displacement time histories with a relative error in energy absorption of less than 3%, peak force of 5%, and maximum displacement of 7% is achieved. The progressive failure mechanisms such as metal dents, tearing, matrix cracking, fiber breaking, and delamination are accurately simulated. Area of damage analysis reveals that the damage progression is in the form of cone spreading from impact face to distal face.