Investigations of low-velocity impact behaviour of single-lap joints having dissimilar hybrid composite adherends through cohesive zone model approach

The low-velocity impact behavior of single-lap joints was investigated in this study. In single-lap joints, woven carbon fiber reinforced epoxy (CFRE) and plain woven glass fiber reinforced epoxy (GFRE) laminates as well as a hybrid composite laminate (HCGFRE), which is formed by stacking carbon and glass composite laminates, are used as adherends. Araldite 2011 and Araldite 138 M/HV998 epoxy adhesives were used with different mechanical properties for joining similar and dissimilar composite adherends. Low-velocity impact tests were carried out with 40 J impact energy. Reaction force-time and impact energy-time graphs were obtained from the experimental study as impact response. In numerical analyses, the damage approach of composite adherend was modeled using composite stress-based failure model (Mat 59) and adhesives were modeled utilizing a mixed-mode cohesive zone model (Mat 138) that existed in LS-DYNA explicit finite element software. It was seen that the numerical results indicated a similar tendency with the experimental results due to the modeling of the adhesives using the proper cohesive zone model, the application of correct boundary conditions, and the selection of the correct contact type.