Ballistic Impact Resistance of Hybrid Composite Materials

Ballistic impact resistance of hybrid composite laminates was investigated in this research. The laminates considered for the studies are prepared by placing carbon fabric and glass fabric reinforced epoxy polymer layers at the exterior or the interior of aramid fabric laminates. Several hybrid composite laminates with different area weight and different ply scheme were prepared by autoclave method. The hybrid composite laminates were impact with flat-ended cylindrical steel projectiles shot by ballistic gun; V50 as well as Ballistic Performance Indicator were obtained accordingly. Ballistic impact test results have shown shear fracture at the front surface layers of composite laminates, delamination in the interior and tensile failure near the back surface layers. The impact damage area was also evaluated by ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The experimental results show that hybrid composite laminates with carbon or glass fiber reinforced composites as surface layer have higher energy absorption which will increase the ballistic impact resistance of aramid fabric composite. The results also have significance for the ballistic design of hybrid composite component for aero-engine containment case.