Influence of Layer Angle and Fiber Type on the Impact Resistance of Composite Laminates

As modern science and technology progress rapidly, composite materials are increasingly applied in aerospace, weapon manufacturing, sports equipment, and construction due to their high strength and toughness. This study employs Abaqus software to develop a finite element model of a hemispherical bullet impacting a fiber-reinforced composite laminate. The simulation results are validated against experimental data from the literature, confirming the model’s reliability. The research investigates the relationship between the initial and residual velocities of the laminate after impact, considering different bullet speeds, layer angles, and hybrid configurations. The findings indicate that for laminates with varying layer angles, when the bullet’s initial speed exceeds 350 m/s, the residual speed post-impact shows a roughly linear correlation with the initial speed. Within the range of 200-350 m/s, the layer angle significantly influences the residual speed after penetration, with [0°/45°] layered laminates demonstrating the highest ballistic limit. For laminates with different hybrid configurations, optimizing the ratio of carbon to kevlar fibers, positioning low-strength materials on the impact side, high-strength materials on the back side, and concentrating similar materials can substantially enhance the impact resistance of composite laminates.