Numerical and experimental evaluation of the mechanical behavior of Kevlar/glass fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites

Flexural, tensile, and impact strength of hybrid Kevlar/glass reinforced epoxy composite is studied. Six different types of hybrid composite material were manufactured by hand layup process using different compositions of Kevlar and glass fiber. Tensile, flexural and impact strengths of manufactured samples were investigated using standard tests and compared. It is observed that tensile strength is greater for combinations with higher percentage (%) of Kevlar fabric and decreases with an increase in the glass fabric %age. Flexural strength is higher for combinations with greater %age of glass fabric and decreases with an increase in the Kevlar fabric %age. From drop weight test, it is found from visual inspection that damaged area is increased with an increase in the glass fabric percentage. Numerical simulation model incorporated with elastoplastic material data successfully predicts tensile and flexural experimental results.