Mechanics of Advanced Composite Structures

Mechanics of Advanced Composite Structures

Experimental Evaluation of Low-Velocity Impact Performance ‎of Glass–Basalt Hybrid Composites: Influence of Fiber Weight ‎Fraction and Impact Energy Levels

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Marwadi University, Rajkot 360003, Gujarat, India‎
Abstract
The growing demand for lightweight structural materials with high impact resistance and ‎energy absorption has driven research into hybrid composites. This study aims to develop a ‎hybrid composite by combining natural basalt fiber with synthetic glass fiber and evaluating ‎the effect of basalt fiber weight fraction on low-velocity impact performance. Composite ‎laminates were fabricated using the hand lay-up technique with epoxy as the thermosetting ‎matrix and reinforced with glass and basalt fibers at varying basalt contents: 0%, 18%, 36%, ‎‎52%, 72%, and 100%. Low-velocity impact tests were carried out as per the ASTM D7136 ‎guidelines at three distinct energy levels: 20 J, 40 J, and 80 J. Internal damage was assessed ‎using visual inspection and C-scan imaging, while ANOVA was used to statistically analyze the ‎influence of fiber weight fraction on impact force, energy absorption, and damage area. Pure ‎basalt laminates demonstrated high stiffness but brittle failure, while pure glass laminates ‎absorbed more energy due to their higher ductility. The results revealed that among the ‎hybrid laminates, the laminate with 52% basalt fiber demonstrated the most balanced ‎combination of stiffness, energy absorption, and damage area, exhibiting strong hybrid ‎synergy across all energy levels. These findings demonstrate the potential of basalt-glass ‎hybrid composites as sustainable, lightweight, and impact-resistant materials.‎
Keywords
Subjects

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