3D Numerical Analysis of Low-Velocity Impact of Rectangular Sandwich Plates with FML Face Sheets

In the present paper, three-dimensional numerical analysis of low-velocity impact of rectangular sandwich plates with fiber metal laminate (FML) face sheets is investigated. In contrast to the available models which have used the approximate plate theories, a 3D finite element simulation is utilized for extracting the impact responses based on the elasticity theory. Finally, the effects of different parameters such as fiber type, metal type, indenter energy, eccentricity and the in-plane preloads on the impact responses of the structure are investigated. Numerical results are compared with the experimental data presented in the literature and the numerical model is verified. The simulation results showed that in the cases of the eccentric impact and presence of the tensile preloads, the contact force increases due to the less movability of the impacted point of the plate; a fact that may lead to higher damages.