Development of an integrated model for prediction of impact and vibration response of hybrid fiber metal laminates with a viscoelastic layer

The present study proposes an integrated model for prediction of the dynamic behaviors involving vibration and impact on hybrid fiber metal laminates embedded with a viscoelastic layer. Firstly, by combining the Reddy's high-order shear deformation theory and the classical laminate theory, the structural displacement field functions are determined. Then, a predefined criterion, namely the damage criterion based on a key indicator “critical impact velocity”, is proposed to quantitatively estimate whether the composite structure is damaged subjected to impact excitation. In the case that meets this criterion without considering impact damage, the energy method, together with the Duhamel principle and the Simpson numerical integral approach, is utilized to obtain the free and forced vibration solutions. However, in the case that fails to satisfy this criterion, by applying the progressive quasi-static approach, the key impact parameters which include critical the impact contact force and displacement are successfully solved. Some numerical results provided in the literature are utilized to give initial validation of the model. Additionally, the detailed experimental tests are performed on the hybrid plate specimens to further validate the model developed. Using the validated model, the effects of the thickness ratio of the viscoelastic layer to the overall plate and Young's moduli of the viscoelastic layer on the dynamic responses are discussed. The outputs provide important references for this type of composite hybrid structures with improving the anti-vibration and impact resistant capabilities.