Dynamic response of circular GLARE fiber—metal laminates subjected to low velocity impact

This article deals with the dynamic response of thin circular clamped GLARE fiber—metal laminates subjected to low velocity impact by a lateral hemispherical impactor. Using a spring-mass model, the differential equations of motion corresponding to loading and unloading stages of impact are derived and solved numerically. Internal damage due to delamination is taken into account. Previously published analytical formulas1,2 concerning the indentation of circular GLARE plates are used during the loading stages of impact. In this study, an equation for the unloading path is derived and used during the unloading impact stage. The load—time, position—time, velocity—time, and kinetic energy—time history responses are calculated. In this regard, the position where delamination occurs, the maximum plate deformation and the position where the impact load becomes zero are predicted. Also, the maximum impact load and the total impact duration are determined. The derived differential equations of motion are applied for GLARE 4-3/2 and GLARE 5-2/1 circular plates subjected to low velocity impact. The predicted load—time history response is compared with published experimental data and a good agreement is found. No other solution of this problem is known to the authors.