Damage characteristics of fabric reinforced hybrid composite laminates subjected to low energy impacts

The structural design of composites involving fabric reinforcements need comprehensive characterisation of properties under different loading conditions, in both undamaged and damaged state. Composites have shown excellent properties in static strength, fatigue and corrosion resistance, etc., it is relatively weak against impact, the damage resulting from which could undermine the performance subsequent to impact to a great extent. Current study addresses the influence of the fibre content in laminates subjected to low energy impacts. Drop weight tests are conducted to initiate damage from different heights. The impact events necessary to initiate damage was recorded, and the fracture characteristics of each composite were analysed. Glass fabric and textile satin fabric are the reinforcements with different volume fractions and epoxy being the matrix. The damage incurred on the laminates is examined in terms of indentation depth, crater size, and cracking condition.