Experimental investigations on the repeated low velocity impact and compression‐after‐impact behaviors of woven glass fiber reinforced composite laminates

In this article, carbon/kevlar hybrid composites were prepared using Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion (VARI). The sandwich structure with plain carbon weave fabric as the core layer and plain kevlar weave fabric as the surface layer was selected as reinforcement and the solution of epoxy resin and curing agent was selected as matrix. The low velocity impact experiment and compression after impact (CAI) experiment were carried out on the samples at different hybrid ratio and different temperatures, and the mechanical response on the impact loads were analyzed respectively. The results show that the specimen can limit the delamination defect expansion of the surface kevlar fiber as the carbon fiber used as the core layer, which reduce the delamination defect area and improve the impact resistance of the sample. The toughness of the sample improves the brittle failure mode, that is, the sample still has a certain bearing capacity after the load exceeds the maximum strength, the sandwiched composites presents a positive hybrid effect. With the increase of temperature, the matrix was obviously softened, the macromolecular movement in the system was intensified, the three‐dimensional network macromolecular structure of the matrix and the fiber/matrix interface properties were damaged, and the mechanical properties showed an obvious downward trend. As far as the influences of hybrid ratio and temperature on impact behavior of composite are concerned, it lay a theoretical foundation for the industrial application of carbon/kevlar hybrid composites.Highlights The sandwiched structure was used to design the composites, which greatly improves the impact properties of the specimens. The impact properties and compression after impact properties at different hybrid ratios and different temperatures were studied. Based on the hybrid effect and temperature effect, the impact failure mechanism of the sample was analyzed.

Study on impact properties of carbon/kevlar fiber hybrid composites

You,

Gao,

Gao

et al. 2024

Research on size effects in the low‐velocity impact (LVI) and compression after impact (CAI) characteristics of composite laminates

Zou,

Gao,

2024

The load‐bearing capacity and failure characteristics of composite structures are closely related to their dimensions. In this study, low‐velocity impact, ultrasonic non‐destructive testing, and compression after impact tests were conducted on composite laminates of varying widths to investigate the influence of size effects. Distinct impact response profiles and compression failure modes were characterized. The results indicate that under impact loading, the delamination threshold load (6700 N ~ 7200 N) and the knee‐point energy (40 J) are not affected by width. However, variations in width lead to differences in indentation depth, impact duration, peak load, delamination characteristics, and energy absorption. Furthermore, increasing impact energy further magnifies these differences. Under compression loading, wider laminates exhibit lower residual strength, with the influence of impact energy on residual strength decreasing as width increases. Importantly, the observed compression failure deformation mode transitions from localized buckling to widespread sub‐layer delamination‐induced compression failure. This suggests that changes in width alter the governing mechanical mechanisms of CAI failure. Consequently, the use of a single‐size laminate to represent both LVI and CAI processes is not recommended. Based on experimental results, the reliability of the equivalent damage method in predicting the residual compression strength of laminates of different widths was confirmed, providing valuable insights for practical engineering applications.Highlights Assess the variations in the low‐velocity impact process of laminates with different widths. Evaluate the delamination damage of laminates after impacts by ultrasonic C‐scan techniques. Investigate the effect of variation in widths on the compression behavior of laminates after impact. Validate the feasibility of equivalent damage modeling for calculating residual strength.

Hygrothermal aging effects on the mechanical behaviors of twill‐woven carbon fiber composite laminates with flame‐retardant epoxy resin

Zhong,

Ma,

Sun

et al. 2024

Composite structures are frequently exposed to varying hygrothermal environments, which can lead to the deterioration of their mechanical properties. This study explores the effects of hygrothermal aging on the mechanical behaviors of twill‐woven carbon fiber composite laminates, with a particular focus on laminates with flame‐retardant epoxy resin (CF_FR)—a relatively underexplored area. The findings reveal several key insights: (1) CF_FR exhibit more pronounced aging damage compared to those with general epoxy resin (CF_G), primarily due to higher moisture absorption, which results in increased surface swelling and internal delamination. (2) Hygrothermal aging enhances the impact resistance of both types of laminates by increasing peak force, particularly at higher temperatures, thereby reducing impact‐induced damage. (3) CF_FR suffers greater reductions in compressive and compression after impact (CAI) strength following aging, with CAI strength decreasing by 36.3% for flame‐retardant laminates and 14.8% for CF_G after immersion at 70°C. (4) Significant local buckling is observed in the swollen regions of CF_FR under compressive loading, indicating an heightened vulnerability to structural instability after aging. These findings offer valuable insights into the performance of composite materials under prolonged moisture exposure, particularly in safety‐critical applications where both flame retardancy and mechanical integrity are crucial.Highlights More aging damage is captured from laminates with flame‐retardant epoxy resin Aging temperatures alleviate LVI induced damage and improve the peak force Compressive and CAI strength are affected after prolonged aging conditions CAI strength of CF_FR decreases by 36.3% after exposure to the 70°C water bath Significant local buckling is observed in CF_FR under compressive loading