Experimental investigation on the effects of glass fiber hybridization on the low-velocity impact response of filament-wound carbon-based composite pipes

Recently, the incorporation of several different types of fibers into a single matrix has led to the development of superior hybrid composite properties at a cheaper cost. Fiber hybridization is one of the active strategies to toughen composites and improve impact damage resistance. However, the extraordinary high strength and stiffness of the carbon fiber as well as its lower damage tolerance make it more susceptible under the impact loading. This article mainly aims to improve impact damage resistance of carbon fiber pipes through fiber hybridization strategy with glass fibers under low-velocity impact. The composite pipes reinforced with thin internal liner of high-density polyethylene were fabricated through filament winding technology. Eight pipe configurations with different stacking sequences and fiber content ratios with a constant winding angle of [Formula: see text] were fabricated and tested under impact energies, 50 and 100 J. The damage characterization was evaluated using the optical imaging and mechanical micrograph sectioning technique. Results indicate that the hybrid configurations showed better energy absorption than reference carbon fibers specimen under 50 J impact energy. Specifically, specimens with glass fibers on the exterior side and alternative configuration of carbon–glass fibers showed better impact resistance with less damage observed. Meanwhile, the specimens with glass fiber on the exterior side suffered from extreme damage with increase in the energy absorption and maximum displacement for both fiber content ratios under 100 J of impact energy.