Effect of stacking sequence on impact resistance performance of hybrid composites laminated with continuous and discontinuous fiber-reinforced layers

In the present study, we introduce a thermoplastic composite, hybridly laminated with continuous and discontinuous fiber-reinforced layers. The hybridization intends to mutually compensate poor mechanical performance of the discontinuous reinforcement and limiting shape complexity due to the continuity. The mechanical performance of the hybrid composite is the main concern of the present study. Especially, the impact response of the hybridly laminated composite plates with various stacking sequences is studied through drop-weight impact tests. It is obviously found that a panel stacked with only the continuous fiber-reinforced layers exhibits the strongest impact performance. The present study also shows that, although half of the stiff layers at the impact side are replaced with relatively ductile discontinuous fiber-reinforced layers, almost the same impact performance can be achieved. The energy absorption capability of the discontinuous fiber-reinforced layer is again observed when the ductile layer is situated between the two brittle layers; the in-between ductility due to the discontinuous reinforcement effectively delays successive brittle failure of the continuous fiber-reinforced layers. However, the alternate stack weakens the impact performance. Overall, the impact resistance is increased with the number of the continuous fiber-reinforced layers