In the world of advanced materials, composites are the superheroes, offering a unique blend of strength, lightness, and resilience. But even superheroes have their kryptonite—low-velocity impacts, which can cause significant damage, especially in the aerospace industry. Enter Sunith Babu Loganathan, a researcher from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Ramaiah Institute of Technology in Bengaluru, India. His recent study, published in the journal *Mechanics of Advanced Composite Structures* (which translates to *Mechanics of Advanced Composite Structures* in English), is shedding new light on how Kevlar can influence the impact damage assessment of carbon fiber hybrid composite laminates.
Loganathan’s research focuses on the low-velocity impact (LVI) of Carbon/Kevlar hybrid composites, a topic of great interest in industries where lightweight, high-strength materials are paramount. “The idea was to understand how the placement of Kevlar layers in a carbon fiber laminate affects its response to low-velocity impacts,” Loganathan explains. Unlike previous studies, his work examines the effects of an asymmetric stacking sequence of Carbon-Kevlar layers, a factor that could significantly influence the material’s performance.
The findings are intriguing. With increased impact energy, variations in peak force, contact duration, and damage area were noted by altering the presence of Kevlar on top and bottom layers with carbon fibers. For instance, Kevlar-topped laminates exhibited an 8.2% reduction in peak force at 8J impact energy compared to carbon-topped laminates. Moreover, the contact duration for Kevlar-topped laminates was 21.4% shorter at 16J impact energy. Damage area studies revealed that Kevlar-topped laminates had 19% smaller damage areas on the top face and 28% smaller on the bottom face at 8J impact energy.
So, what does this mean for the industry? The implications are significant. In high-performance applications, particularly in aerospace, understanding how to optimize the placement of Kevlar layers can lead to the development of more durable and reliable hybrid laminates. “This research provides valuable insights for designing composite materials that can withstand low-velocity impacts better,” Loganathan notes. This could translate to safer, more efficient aircraft designs, and potentially, reduced maintenance costs.
But the potential doesn’t stop at aerospace. The automotive, construction, and sports equipment industries could also benefit from these findings. Imagine cars with bodies that can better withstand minor collisions, or construction materials that are lighter yet stronger. The possibilities are as vast as they are exciting.
Loganathan’s research is a testament to the power of innovative thinking in material science. As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, studies like these will be instrumental in shaping the future of composite materials. The journey is far from over, but with each new discovery, we take another step forward in our quest for stronger, lighter, and more resilient materials.