Numerical Investigation of Al-Reinforced CFRP Composite under Low-Velocity Impact

Fibre-reinforced composite materials are widespread in lightweight, high-performance applications. However, polymeric composites generally exhibit a brittle behaviour, which makes them susceptible to impact damage. Even low-velocity impacts can produce delaminations, cause substantial reduction of the compressive mechanical properties. Metallic layers have been embedded laminates with aim improve their fracture behaviour: aluminium plies be employed increase indentation resistance Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) specimens. For this reason, hybrid fibre-metal expected viable solution reduce damage caused by impacts. In work, CFRP specimens reinforced were modelled using finite element method and cohesive zone model. Cohesive elements based on traction-separation formulation at each ply-to-ply interface enforce delamination Different configurations Al reinforcements studied varying position between plies.