Effect of stacking sequence on the compressive performance of impacted aramid fiber/glass fiber hybrid composite

Abstract Aramid fiber/glass fiber hybrid composites were prepared to examine the compressive performance of impacted composites. The effect of stacking sequence and surface treatment on compression after impact (CAI) performance of three‐layer hybrid composites was investigated with respect to delamination area. As the impact velocity increased, the laminates exhibited a significant reduction of compressive strength owing to larger delamination area within laminate. The surface treatment aramid fiber reduced the delamination area and enhanced the resistance to buckling. The strength reduction of laminate AAA was considerable because of wide delaminated region, whereas the residual strength of laminate GGG was not affected by impact energy because the laminate absorbed most of impact energy through formation of fiber cracks rather than delamination. Considering stacking sequence, the laminate GAG and GAA exhibited an energy threshold due to insensitivity to impact damage. As a result, the residual performance of composite was primarily dominated by delamination extent rather than fiber cracks.