Impact characterization of thermoformable fibre metal laminates of 2024-T3 aluminium and AZ31B-H24 magnesium based on self-reinforced polypropylene

In this work, the impact behaviour of an AZ31B-H24 magnesium-based fibre metal laminate (FML) and a 2024-T3 aluminium-based FML with self-reinforced polypropylene (SRPP) is analysed. The study focused on determining the impact properties of the FMLs and explaining the differences between their impact responses. Additionally, in the comparative study, a single SRPP was included as reference base material. Low-velocity impact tests were performed by using a drop-weight machine. The failure energy for cracking of metal sheets, onset of fibre breakage in the composite constituent and total perforation of the laminate were identified by correlating force-time curves measured from impacts with images of impacted specimens obtained by a macroscope. Moreover, the 'energy profile method' was used to identify the penetration and perforation thresholds enabling the definition of the no-penetration and the penetration phases. The results revealed that the Al-FML presented more specific resistance and energy dissipation capacity under impact than the Mg-FML. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.