The effect of hybridization on high-velocity impact response of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites using finite element modeling, Taguchi method and artificial neural network

Abstract

In this paper, the effect of hybridization of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite laminates was investigated on the high-velocity impact responses of laminates using a validated finite element model, the Taguchi and the artificial neural network methods. The CFRP laminates were hybridized by replacing half of the carbon layers with glass and Kevlar laminae. It was found out that employing the right hybrid materials on the right position of the laminate can considerably change the damage pattern and consequently reduce the projectile residual velocity by increasing the energy absorbed by the CFRP laminate. Introducing four Kevlar laminae on the back of the CFRP composite laminate instead of the four carbon layers resulted the highest improvement in the laminate energy absorption by 67%. The hybrid laminates experienced wider damage zone and more extensive delamination compared to the CFRP laminate. Introducing the hybrid materials with high strength and strain to failure material such as Kevlar on the back of the laminate in the presence of CFRP front face can be considered as an appropriate hybrid composite laminate when exposed to high-velocity impact loading.