The effect of temperatures on hybrid composite laminates under impact loading

Abstract

The present experimental investigation deals with the impact responses of hybrid composites (carbon-glass fiber/epoxy) under various temperatures. A number of samples were subjected to increasing impact energy at the temperature range of -20 to 60°C until complete perforation of samples. With this use of increasing impact energies, it was possible to examine the impact response and failure mechanisms of hybrid composites until perforation of sample. An Energy Profiling Diagram (EPD) was used to obtain the penetration and perforation thresholds of hybrid composites. Besides, the temperature effects on impact characteristics such as load, contact time and permanent deflection were also presented in figures. Test results showed that temperature variations affect the impact characteristics of hybrid composites and they get their maximum values at -20°C or 60°C. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.