Low velocity impact behaviour of a hybrid carbon-epoxy/cork laminate

This work addresses low velocity impact behaviour of monolithic cross-ply carbon-epoxy and hybrid carbon-epoxy/cork laminates. The [0(4), 90(4)](s) layup was selected due to its high mismatch bending between different oriented layers, which is a critical aspect concerning large delamination development at these critical interfaces. The effect of a cork layer inserted at the most critical interface on low velocity impact behaviour of the carbon-epoxy laminate is discussed. Impact response and resulting damage profiles of monolithic and hybrid laminates are compared, and advantages of the hybrid solution are underlined. A numerical analysis including cohesive zone modelling was also performed to assess the damage profiles obtained for the two laminates analysed. The model revealed to be effective for a better comprehension of damage mechanism for both studied cases.