Study of Hybrid Composite Joints with Thin-ply-reinforced Adherends under High-rate and Impact Loadings

This research aims to examine the tensile strength of a hybrid composite laminate reinforced by thin -plies when used as an adherend in bonded single lap joints subjected to high -rate and impact loading. Two different composites, namely Texipreg HS 160 T700 and NTPT-TP415, are employed as the conventional and thin -ply composites, respectively. The study considers three configurations: a conventional composite, a thin -ply, and a hybrid single lap joint. Numerical models of the configurations are developed to provide insight into failure mechanisms and the initiation of damage. The results indicate a significant increase in tensile strength for the hybrid joints over the conventional and thin -ply joints, due to the mitigation of stress concentrations. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of hybrid laminates for improving the performance of composite joints under highrate loading and impact conditions.