Journal of Science and Technology of Composites

Journal of Science and Technology of Composites

Investigation of Glass, Basalt, and Hybrid Fibers Effect on the Mechanical Behavior and Energy Absorption of Fiber–Metal Laminates Based on 5052 Aluminum alloy

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Pooya Parvandeh 1
Mohsen Hamedi 2
Hadi Rezghi Maleki 3
1 School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2 School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Bonab, Bonab, Iran
10.22068/jstc.2025.2065632.1929
Abstract
In this study, the significance of fiber–metal laminates (FMLs) as a new generation of engineering materials with superior properties such as high strength, good ductility, and enhanced damage resistance was investigated. Due to their combined metallic–composite performance, these structures are widely applied in marine and aerospace industries. Three types of laminates, including GLARE, BARAL, and a novel hybrid glass/basalt–aluminum configuration with a constant FML 5-3/2 lay-up, were fabricated. The metallic layers consisted of 5052-H32 aluminum alloy, while the composite layers were reinforced with unidirectional glass, basalt, and glass/basalt hybrid fibers in a vinyl ester matrix. To evaluate the mechanical behavior, tensile, flexural, and low-velocity impact tests were performed at three energy levels. The results showed that GLARE exhibited the highest tensile strength of 315 MPa, BARAL displayed a more brittle behavior with 281 MPa, and the hybrid laminate presented an intermediate performance with 287 MPa. Under flexural loading, the maximum stresses were measured as 285 MPa for GLARE, 250 MPa for BARAL, and 227 MPa for the hybrid laminate. In the impact tests, the primary energy absorption mechanisms were identified as plastic deformation of the aluminum layers and interfacial delamination. The use of vinyl ester resin instead of conventional epoxy, along with the employment of 5052-H32 aluminum alloy and the incorporation of a glass/basalt hybrid configuration, introduced a distinctive approach compared to conventional practices, with the comparative results highlighting their significant influence on mechanical response and energy absorption capacity.
Keywords
GLARE
BARAL
Hybrid Glass Basalt Aluminum Laminate
Low velocity impact
Energy absorption

Subjects

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Journal of Science and Technology of Composites
Volume 12, Issue 1
Summer 2025
Pages 2704-2716