Influence of fiber type on the impact response of titanium-based fiber-metal laminates

This investigation examines the influence of fiber type on the failure of titanium-based fiber metal laminates (FMLs). Two types of FMLs, comprising fiber-based composite layers, sandwiched between titanium sheets, were subjected to impact by a 12 mm steel sphere at various velocities ranging from 100–400 m/s. The first FML incorporated carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) layers, whereas the second had hot-pressed ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fiber (UHMWPE, Dyneema®HB50) layers as the sandwiched component. FML specimens were clamped between annular plates, which exposed a circular target, and impacted at the center by spherical projectiles. Optical images of the deformation and failure induced in the two types of FMLs were captured by a high-speed camera, and the respective responses compared; the ballistic limit and energy absorbed were also determined. The results indicate that the ballistic performance of the Ti/HB50 system is superior to the Ti/CFRP combination, in terms of ballistic limit and energy absorption. However, this difference diminishes when the impact velocity exceeds 1.5 times the ballistic limit. The rolling direction of the titanium sheet plays a significant role in the amount of energy absorbed, through its influence on the deformation/failure mode of the FMLs.