Multi-Layer Advanced Fibre Hybridisation (Glass-Carbon-Kevlar) and Variable Stiffness Influence on Composite Structure Responses (Stress and Deformation): An FE Approach

Abstract

The influence of one/more numbers advanced layer fibre hybridization effect on the composite structural stiffness (deformation resistance capability) and the stress behaviour under the variable loading (uniformly distributed and sinusoidal) is analyzed numerically through an isoparametric finite element approach. The hybrid composite panel model is derived in the framework of the higher-order kinematic model to satisfy the inter-laminar stress continuity via the strains. The necessary structural equilibrium equations under the influence of variable mechanical loadings are derived through the variational principle to compute the panel's central point deflections, as well as the stress values. The varied structural stiffness and their corresponding deflection parameters due to the hybridization of different advanced fibres (Carbon/Glass/Kevlar) are obtained through an in-house MATLAB code by incorporating the necessary elastic constant through the constitutive relationship. Firstly, the steadiness of the numerical solution is confirmed and extended further to verify the necessary solution correctness by solving a different number of examples similar to the published results. Finally, the influences of variable structural parameters relevant to the geometry (thickness ratio, aspect ratio), boundary conditions and the order of hybridizing layers (Glass-Carbon-Kevlar) on the bending strength have been highlighted by solving a series of examples and explained in details.