Objective Given the potential low-velocity impact risks faced by yachts during navigation, particularly in key structural parts such as the bow and hull sides, there is a greater demand for materials with enhanced impact resistance. This study aims to investigate the mechanical behavior of different carbon/glass fiber hybrid laminates under low-velocity impact, in order to overcome the limitations of traditional single-material structures in terms of impact resistance, and provide a new approach to the lightweight and high-strength design of yacht structures.
Methods In accordance with ASTM D7136M-05, carbon fiber and glass fiber commonly used in the actual yacht structures were selected to design and prepare carbon/glass fiber hybrid laminates with the size of 150 mm × 100 mm as test specimens. A drop-weight impact tester was employed to conduct low-velocity impact tests, simulating the potential low-velocity impacts that yachts might face in real-world operating environments. Furthermore, to gain a deeper understanding of the damage mechanisms during impact, a high-precision Vumat subroutine was developed by integrating the Hashin failure criterion and an energy dissipation evolution scheme. This subroutine was utilized to perform detailed numerical simulations of the low-velocity impact process of the laminates. Six hybrid laminates with different layup configurations were designed, and their impact damage characteristics were analyzed in terms of peak impact force, absorbed energy, and damage morphology. The effect of carbon fiber position on the impact properties was specifically investigated.
Results By comparing numerical simulations and experimental results, it was found that for the original laminate impact specimen, the peak impact force and absorbed energy were 5.54 kN and 8.98 J, respectively, with corresponding numerical simulation errors of 9.7% and 4.6%, thus verifying the validity of the simulation model. The analysis of the effect of carbon fiber position reveals that (C2G2)S shows significant advantages in impact resistance. Compared to other lay-up configurations, (C2G2)S has the highest absorbed energy value, with an increase of up to 34%, indicating its superior energy absorption and dissipation capabilities during the impact process. Although its matrix damage volume is 1.4 times that of (G2C2)S, its maximum deformation is reduced by 8%, which further proves that (C2G2)S has excellent deformation resistance while maintaining high toughness.
Conclusion Through the experimental-simulation synergy approach, this study not only validates the accuracy of the simulation model used to simulate the low-velocity impact behavior of carbon/glass fiber hybrid laminates, but also reveals how different layup combinations affect impact resistance. These research findings provide a solid scientific basis for the optimal design of yacht composite structures, the formulation of impact protection strategies, and engineering applications. They provide significant theoretical guidance and practical application value for promoting innovation and development of yacht structural materials.
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