An Experimental Study on Impact Behavior of Fiber/Metal Laminates

During the last decades a new class of materials named fiber/metal laminates (FMLs) was introduced. It is a hybrid composite consisting of alternating thin layers of metal sheets and fiber-reinforced composite material. FMLs have both low weight and good mechanical properties. In this study, the impact behavior of this attractive material is investigated. The effect of fiber angle, stacking sequence and capacity of test apparatus were examined. In addition specimens have been prepared in two sizes according to two standards of ASTM D256-93a for plastics and then ASTM E23- 01 for metals. Test results show that suitable layering, using more aluminum layers and fiber sheets with zero angle in laminates improve the impact strength. The amount of energy absorption in heavy apparatus is higher than the light apparatus.