A numerical study on the low-velocity impact response of hybrid composite materials

Composite materials are advanced engineering materials with superior properties to traditional materials. One of the most important disadvantages is the high cost of composite materials. Therefore, producing composite materials from the first to the last stage is a very important process. Homogenization is the most important parameter in production since composites contain more than one material type in their structure. In addition, composite structures are sensitive materials against low-velocity impacts. In this study, the effect of reinforcement material combination and stacking sequence on mechanical properties used in the production of composite materials was investigated by low-velocity impact simulations using LS-DYNA software. The mass of the 12 mm diameter spherical impactor used in the analyzes was determined as 10 kg and low-velocity impact tests were applied at 20 J, 30 J and 40 J energy levels. The composite samples were modeled with 180x100mm dimensions and the contact between the impactor and the sample was made from the center of the composite structure. Numerical analyzes were performed using the Tsai-Wu damage criterion in the LS-DYNA software, and material properties were defined using the "Mat_Enhanced_Composite_Damage (MAT 055)" material card.