Experimental impact study on unidirectional glass-carbon hybrid composite laminates

In this experimental study, the impact response of unidirectional hybrid composite laminate was investigated. Hybrid laminates with different stacking sequences were fabricated, using unidirectional glass and carbon fiber as reinforcement and epoxy resin as matrix. ASTM standard D5628 was followed to conduct the experiment using the instrumented drop weight impact test apparatus. All the square specimens were tested at an impact velocity of 3.43 m/s and the time histories of force and energy absorbed were recorded. The impacted specimens and their X-ray images were visually inspected to understand the failure pattern. The experimental results showed that the addition of carbon fiber increases the impact strength by absorbing more force and energy. Furthermore, the laminate can be stiffened with the carbon fiber layers by interfacing glass fiber layers on either side.