Impact response of hybrid composites under varying environmental conditions: A comparative study

Abstract

Composite materials are widely preferred in the aviation, automotive, construction and maritime industries due to their many superior properties. As a result of this widespread use, composite structures are inevitably subjected to various environmental conditions. Various environmental conditions may negatively affect the mechanical performance of the structure, and the structure may become unable to maintain its initial mechanical properties, especially in the face of critical loading, such as low‐velocity impacts. This research investigated the influence of various environmental conditions on the low‐velocity impact strength of composite materials. 12‐layer plate samples with epoxy matrix reinforced with woven glass fabric (GF), woven carbon fabric (CF), and hybrid fabric (HF), where the two fabrics are used together, were produced. Low‐velocity impact tests were conducted to these specimens at 20 and 40 J energy levels. Damages occurring in the material as a result of the low‐velocity impact test were interpreted using high‐resolution camera and optical microscope images. Force‐time and force‐ displacement curves were drawn and interpreted. It was concluded that as the impact energy values increased, the maximum force and displacement values also increased.Highlights The influence of various environmental conditions to which composite materials may be exposed on the dynamic response of the structure has been investigated. Various environmental conditions significantly affected the composite structure's impact behavior. While glass fabric (GF) composite samples were more affected by the seawater environment, carbon fabric (CF) composite samples were more affected by the HCl environment. Hybrid (HF) composite samples were affected by seawater and HCl in approximately equal amounts.