Low-velocity impact response of Kevlar/epoxy aluminum laminates

Abstract

In this experimental study, the low velocity impact behavior of aluminum-kevlar laminates (ARALL) was investigated. ARALL composites were prepared in two different configurations as aluminum-kevlar-aluminum (AKA) and kevlar-aluminum-kevlar (KAK). The aluminum alloy used in the preparation of the samples was supplied as 5754 series 2 mm thick plate. Kevlar fabrics were supplied in a weight of 200 gr/m² and in twill weave type. Laminated composites with kevlar twill fabrics were made through hand lay-up followed by compression molding process. [K]₄ composite laminates were obtained by curing kevlar/epoxy laminates under 100°C and 7 bar pressure for 180 min. Then samples of size 100×100 mm were cut from the plates with water jet. The cut specimens were bounded together with two-component adhesive. Impact test device Instron-dynatup 9250 HV was used for impact tests. An energy profil method (EPM), it expresses the impact energy and the corresponding absorbed energy. The increasing impact energy was performed on two configuration of ARALL composites until perforation occurs. Perforation threshold of AKA samples is approximately 70% higher than that of KAK samles.