Influence of Kevlar on Impact Damage Assessment of Carbon Fiber Hybrid Composite Laminate

Abstract

Composites are advanced materials composed of distinct components with different properties, typically a reinforcing fiber and a matrix material. These components create a material with unique properties such as high strength, low weight, and corrosion resistance. Composites are extensively used in aerospace, automotive, construction, and sports equipment, revolutionizing product design and engineering by offering tailored solutions for specific performance requirements. Damage in composites, especially due to low-velocity impacts from runway debris or tool drops, poses significant challenges, particularly in the aerospace sector where such impacts can be catastrophic. This study investigates the low-velocity impact (LVI) of Carbon/Kevlar hybrid composites, focusing on the influence of Kevlar in Carbon fiber laminates under different impact energies. Unlike previous research, this work examines the effects of an asymmetric stacking sequence of Carbon-Kevlar layers. Results show that with increased impact energy, variations in peak force, contact duration, and damage area are noted by altering the presence of Kevlar on top and bottom layers with carbon fibers. Kevlar-topped laminates exhibited a peak force reduction of 8.2% at 8J impact energy compared to carbon-topped laminates. Additionally, the contact duration for Kevlar-topped laminates was 21.4% shorter at 16J impact energy. Damage area studies revealed that Kevlar-topped laminates had 19% smaller damage areas on the top face and 28% smaller on the bottom face at 8J impact energy. These findings have significant implications for designing composite materials in high-performance applications, particularly in aerospace. This research advances composite material science, providing valuable insights for developing more durable and reliable hybrid laminates within the same laminate.