The Effect of Hybridization on the GFRP Behavior under Quasi-Static Penetration

Quasi-static punch tests using three different penetrator shapes, namely blunt-ended, hemispherical, and conical, were conducted to investigate the mechanical behavior of glass/polyester laminates hybridized with a layer of Kevlar/polyester at four different positions. It was found that the addition of the Kevlar layer at any position improves the toughness (strength and ductility) of the composite laminates, which led to enhancement of the penetration resistance. Generally, it was also verified that the back face is the most appropriate location for the Kevlar layer for laminates penetrated quasi-statically. The results also indicate that the laminates response and damage mechanism are found to be highly sensitive to the penetrator geometry. The procedure and main findings can serve as a design guideline for dynamic applications, namely, high velocity impact loading.