Fibre-metal laminate structures: High-velocity impact, penetration, and blast loading – A review

•The high-velocity impact behaviour of Fibre Metal Laminates are highlighted.•The behaviour of Fibre Metal Laminates subjected to explosive loads are discussed.•The impact-failure mechanism assessment techniques are classified and contrasted.•Finite element modelling strategies are discussed.•Innovative designs to enhance energy dissipation are explored. Recent advances in the automated manufacture of composite structures have renewed the interest in fibre metal laminates (FMLs) in various engineering sectors. FML structures, which are manufactured by bonding metal plates and composite laminates, are increasingly being designed to withstand impact and blast loading during service, partly because of their excellent mechanical properties and cost-effectiveness. In this paper, we present a synthesis of recent publications to consolidate the understanding of how FML structures behave under impact and blast loading. The review further contrasts existing techniques to assess the failure mechanisms in FMLs and sheds light on their strengths and weaknesses. We also discuss various numerical modelling approaches applicable to heterogenous structures at various length scales and outline how those approaches influence computational results. Finally, innovative designs of FML structures are discussed to forecast possible strategies and trends that can be implemented to enhance the energy absorption capability and damage tolerance of FML structures.