The absorbed energy during the low-velocity transversal impact of hybrid metal/fiber GlareTM laminate was determined by three different analytical methods. The first method employs a sophisticated Laser-Doppler apparatus that registers the acceleration and deceleration of the impact tup along the drop-weight test, whereas the second one is based only on the impact load-time history. The third method relies solely on the pre- and post-impact velocity of the striker. It has been concluded that the first two methodologies produce very similar results, with the material generally absorbing approximately 70% of the available energy, while the third methodology generated unduly non-conservative results. Residual flexural properties of previously impact damaged laminate specimens showed that the modulus of elasticity is the most valuable parameter for structural integrity monitoring of the hybrid composite.
Composite material; fiber/metal laminate; low-energy impact damage
