Analytical and Numerical Investigation on Dynamic Behavior of Rectangular FML Sandwich Tubes with Metal Foam Core Under Low-Velocity Impact

In this work, the dynamic behavior for clamp-supported rectangular fiber metal laminate (FML) sandwich tubes with metal foam core under low-velocity impact is studied by analytical solution and numerical method analysis. The yield criterion of the FML sandwich tube with metal foam core is proposed. Based on yield criterion, the theoretical solution for rectangular FML sandwich tubes dynamic behavior under low-velocity impact is developed considering the strength and the coupling effect of bending and tension. Finite element study is conducted. Theoretical results are well consistent in the finite element ones. Finally, the influences of material and geometric parameters, and impact position on impact force and maximum deflection of FML sandwich tubes are analyzed systematically. The results reveal that the FML sandwich tubes’ impact forces increase with the increase of the strength, number and thickness of the metal layer, the strength and thickness of the composite layer and foam strength; and impact forces increase with the decrease of the metal volume fraction of FML. Also, the impact force increases with the decrease of the distance between the impact position and the clamp-supported end.