Finite Element Modeling of Stamp Forming Process on Fiber Metal Laminates

Fiber-metal laminates (FMLs) possess huge potential in mass-reduction strategy of automotive industry. In order to understand behavior of FMLs as they undergo stamp forming processes, finite element analyses of surface strain evolutions have been carried out. The simulations provide strains at locations within the layers of an FML, allowing better understanding of forming behaviour of the composite layer and its influence on the metal layers. Finite element analyses were conducted on two aluminum-based FMLs with different fiber-reinforced composites and benchmarked against monolithic aluminum alloy. The simulation results indicated that high stiffness of the reinforcement constrains flow of the matrix in the composite layer, which can be attributed to the distinguishing behavior of the FMLs compared to the monolithic aluminum alloy.