Multiscale experimental and computational analysis of the impact response of graphene nanoplatelets in CF/PEEK-Ti fiber metal laminates

In the field of aerospace engineering, there is a gradual increase in the utilization of FMLs. This study experimentally assessed the influence of varying graphene nanoparticle (GNP) contents (0 wt.% to 1.5 wt.%) on the impact response of carbon fiber reinforced PEEK-Ti fiber metal laminates (CF/PEEK-Ti FMLs). The damage modes and structural integrity of CF/PEEK-Ti under impact response were also investigated by finite element simulation. The findings revealed that FMLs incorporating 0.5 wt.% GNPs exhibited superior impact resistance, with an increase in absorbed energy and impact strength by 23.8% and 25%, respectively, in comparison to FMLs without the addition of GNPs. Furthermore, finite element simulations demonstrate over 98% agreement with experimental data, confirming high model accuracy. Post-impact damage mechanisms in FMLs were simulated via FEM, demonstrating that strategic GNP integration significantly mitigates delamination and matrix crack propagation under impact loading.