An experimental investigation on the impact behavior of hybrid composite plates

In this experimental study, the impact behavior of hybrid composite plates has been investigated. The increasing impact energy was performed on two types of hybrid composite plates (glass-carbon/epoxy) until complete perforation of specimens. An energy profiling method, showing the relationship between impact energy and absorbed energy, was used together with load-deflection curves to determine the penetration and perforation thresholds of hybrid composites. The failure processes of damaged specimens for different impact energies were evaluated by comparing load-deflection curves and images of damaged samples taken from impacted sides and non-impacted sides. Cross-sections of damaged specimens were also inspected visually and discussed to assess the extent of damage, such as fiber fracture in layers, expansion of delaminations between adjacent layers. The perforation threshold of hybrid composite impacted from surface with carbon fibers was found approximately 30% higher than that of surface with glass fibers. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved