Quasi-Static Indentation and Compression Behaviors of Hybrid Woven Composite Laminates

The behaviors of hybrid and non-hybrid woven composite laminates with different stacking sequences under quasi-static indentation (QSI) and compression after indentation (CAI) were investigated in this paper. A comparative experimental and numerical study was conducted to find whether the hybridization exhibits better performance, and a focus was given to the mechanisms behind it. A C-scan ultrasonic imaging system and a digital microscope to assess the visibility of the damage and penetration resistance were employed for specimens after QSI. For CAI analysis, digital image correlation (DIC) was applied. Results show that glass–carbon hybrid woven laminates ([(±45)g/(0,90)c]4s) exhibit 4.31% greater load bearing efficiency, 4.45% higher residual compressive strength, and 6.35% less indentation-induced damage area than the carbon–glass ([(±45)c/(0,90)g]4s) hybrid woven laminates. These findings on different stacking sequences provide insights into surface layer behavior and interfacial failure in glass–carbon hybrid composites for designing surface-engineered laminates with improved resistance, energy absorption, and residual compressive strength. The results support the advancement of hybrid woven composite laminates and the development of durable, high-performance materials for structural applications.