Effect of Stacking Sequence and Metal Volume Fraction on the Ballistic Impact Behaviors of Arall Fiber-Metal Laminates: an Experimental Study

Abstract

Thanks to their superior mechanical properties, polymer matrix composites have gained considerable importance. In order to improve the impact resistance of polymer matrix composite materials, a new hybrid material known as fiber metal laminate (FML) has been developed. The aim of this study was to reveal the effect of stacking sequence (SS), metal volume fraction (MVF), and number of layers on ballistic resistance in fiber metal laminates (FMLs). Four types of FMLs in different sequences and MVF (25% and 50%) were produced with hot press and vacuum. Ballistic tests were carried out with a single stage gas gun system. The absorbed energy was calculated from the energy difference that occurred by taking into account the FMLs entry and exit velocity of the projectile and the projectile mass. Damage types were examined after ballistic testing. It was determined that the stacking sequence and MVF significantly affect the impact resistance of FMLs. It was determined that the metal layer, which first encounters the projectile, compared to the polymer matrix composite, is more effective on the impact resistance of FMLs, and the impact resistance increased with the increase of MVF. In addition, the increase in the number of layers, if the top layers remain the same, adversely affected the impact resistance. It was observed that the first layer that encounters the projectile and the amount of MVF have a significant effect on the ballistic impact strength. As the amount of MVF increases, the ballistic impact resistance increases.