Numerical and theoretical analysis of multiple simultaneous impact on a functionally graded porous aluminum plate

Purpose The purpose of this study is to extract the response of the simultaneous low-velocity impact of multiple impactors on a porous functionally graded (FG) aluminum plate. Design/methodology/approach To design a porous FG structure, a series of functions are applied using the porosity coefficient, and mechanical properties including Young’s modulus, shear modulus and the density of the porous structure are presented as a function of the axis placed in the direction of the plate thickness. The first-order shear deformation theory of the plate is used. To simulate the contact process between each impactor and the plate, a nonlinear Hertz contact force is considered for that impactor independently. Findings ABAQUS finite element software is used for the verification process of the theorical equations. The effects of porous function type, radius and initial velocity of impactor are investigated for the simultaneous impact of five impactors on porous FG aluminum plate with a simply supported boundary condition. Histories of contact force and displacement of the impactor placed in the center of the beam are analyzed in detail with the changes of the mentioned parameters. Originality/value Due to the advantages of porous aluminum plate such as high energy absorption and low weight, such structures may be subjected to the simultaneous impact of multiple impactors, which is studied in this research.