Impact Resistance of Bionic Hybrid Laminates Based on the Wave‐Lock Structure of Trap‐Jaw Ants

ABSTRACT This paper presents a bionic design prototype of the wave‐lock structure found in the mandibles of trap‐jaw ants, applied to an interlayer hybrid laminate. Bionic interlocking laminates (BIL), consisting of conical pins, unidirectional fibers, and plain fabrics, were fabricated by integrating bi‐directional conical pins into plain fabrics to form an interlocking mechanism using a mold press forming technique. This approach aims to enhance the impact resistance and damage tolerance of carbon fiber reinforced polymers. The effect of design parameters on the impact resistance of reinforced bionic interlocking laminates was systematically investigated, using fiber hybrid type as a variable. The results indicate that bionic interlocking laminates play a crucial role in limiting damage propagation, improving energy dissipation, and enhancing mechanical strength. Compared to traditional laminates (TL), BIL exhibits a 16.3% increase in peak contact force, an 82.2% reduction in impact damage area, and a 12.3% improvement in residual compressive strength. The interlocking modes (pin locks and interface locks) effectively reduce crack propagation and improve residual compressive strength, providing an effective reinforcement design solution for composite fabrication.