High‐velocity impact resistance and energy absorption behavior of Carbon‐Kevlar hybrid composite laminates

Abstract This study investigated the high‐velocity impact behavior of composite plates with different hybrid ratios and structural configurations through experimental and numerical simulation studies. The results showed that the critical penetration velocity of the composite plate generally increases with an increase in the volume fraction of aramid fibers. The high‐velocity impact finite element model developed in this study accurately simulated the high‐velocity impact behavior of laminated fiber composite plates with various hybrid ratios and different structures. The impact failure patterns of the plates were analyzed, and it was observed that the carbon fibers on the back face were prone to tensile fracture, followed by the gradual fracture of aramid fibers. The numerical simulation results show significant differences in residual impact velocity and energy absorption when impacted from different sides and the impact from the aramid side resulted in better energy absorption, which is contrary to the findings in many existing research papers. These findings provide valuable insights into the impact resistance of composite materials and can guide the design and development of high‐performance composite structures for aero‐engine case designing. Highlights The high‐velocity impact behavior of C/K fiber epoxy resin matrix composite laminates are studied. The critical penetration velocity increases with the increase of aramid fiber volume fraction. The laminate absorbs most of the impact energy during the instantaneous impact time. Energy absorption ability is better when the impact surface is aramid fibers. Carbon fibers on the back side of the laminate are more prone to tensile fracture.