Low velocity impact behavior of interlayer hybrid composite laminates with carbon/glass/basalt fibres

Abstract

This work investigates the effects of carbon/glass/basalt hybridization and fabric structure on the low velocity impact resistance of fibre reinforced plastic composites. Interply hybrid specimens used in the study were fabricated in a sandwich-like stacking sequence using a vacuum assisted resin infusion molding technique. Low velocity impact tests were carried out to study effects of hybridization and fabric structure on the impact resistance of composite laminates. A continuum damage mechanical model was developed and validated for non-hybrid woven fabric laminates at different impact energy levels. Residual damage characteristics in the cross-sectional view were identified using a 3D surface scanning system and an X-ray computed tomography (CT) method. On the basis of experimental results, numerical simulation was conducted to analyse the damage mechanisms of the hybrid laminates. Experimental results showed that: (a) hybrid laminates with carbon fibre as the core exhibited superior impact resistance for sandwich-like stacking sequence; (b) similar impact behaviors appeared for carbon laminates hybrid with either basalt or glass fibre; (c) for basalt fibre, weave fabric composite laminates exhibited better energy absorption capability and deformation resistance than cross-ply laminates reinforced by unidirectional fabrics.