Experimental and numerical studies of fiber metal laminate (FML) thin-walled tubes under impact loading

Abstract

Fiber metal laminate (FML) in form of tubular structures is a modern light-weight structure fabricated by incorporating metallic and composite materials. This present study deals with the impact characteristics and energy absorption performances of fiber metal laminate (FML) thin-walled tubes subjected to impact loading. Dynamic computer simulation techniques validated by experimental testing are used to perform a series of parametric studies of such devices. The study aims at quantifying the crush response and energy absorption capacity of FML thinwalled tubes under axial impact loading conditions. A comparison has been done in terms of crush behaviour and energy absorption characteristics of FML tubes with that of pure aluminium and composite tubes. It is evident that FML tubes are preferable as impact energy absorbers due to their ability to withstand greater impact loads, thus absorbing higher energy. Furthermore, it is found that the loading capacity of such tubes is better maintained as the crush length increases. The primary outcome of this study is design information for the use of FML tubes as energy absorbers where impact loading is expected particularly in crashworthiness applications.