Influence of Stacking Sequence on the Impact and Postimpact Bending Behavior of Hybrid Sandwich Composites

A new hybrid sandwich structure was developed by using carbon, e-glass, and s-glass fabrics as reinforcement materials, an epoxy resin as the matrix material for face sheets, and a PVC foam as the core material. Six different configurations were prepared. Sandwich composites plates with different stacking sequences were subjected to low-speed impacts will energies of 7.5, 15, and 22.5 J. Their impact response is analyzed and reported in terms of the peak load as a function of impact energy. After impact tests, 3-point bending tests were conducted to determine the bending behavior of the sandwich composites after impacts in terms of their flexural strength. The results obtained showed that the use of carbon fabrics in the face sheets increased the peak loads for all the impact energies considered. The presence of carbon fibers in skin regions increased the flexural strength of the composites, but e-glass fibers decreased this strength.