Low-velocity impact behavior of hybrid CFRP-elastomer-metal laminates in comparison with conventional fiber-metal laminates

Monolithic materials hardly fulfill the high requirements of new products. Elastomer materials mixed with metal and carbon-fiber-reinforcement polymer (CFRP) are expected to reach high lightweight potential. This study investigates the low-velocity impact behavior of hybrid CFRP-elastomer-metal laminates (HyCEML) compared to conventional fiber-metal laminates (FML). Impact behavior is evaluated for FML and HyCEML by numerical and experimental methods. In order to understand the different responses to the impact of the different laminates, internal damage mechanisms including plastic deformation, delamination, and matrix failure are analyzed. In addition, the energy distribution of each constituent and each interface during the impact is investigated to explain the reason for changes in the damage mechanisms. It is found that the introduction of elastomer makes a larger part of the laminate participates in the load-bearing instead of a high concentration on the impact area. The materials are used more efficiently in energy absorption since a more extensive energy distribution inside the hybrid laminate takes place. The amount and proportion of energy absorption by each component in laminates are influenced by introduction of the elastomer. The contribution of this paper is to reveal insights into the impact behavior of novel hybrid laminates by experimental and numerical methods.