Investigation of energy absorption in epoxy-based Aramid fabrics -Basalt hybrid composites under oblique high velocity impact

In this paper, the effect of projectile impact angle on energy absorption of epoxy-based Aramid fabrics 200GSM -Basalt hybrid composites investigated experimentally under high velocity oblique impact (HVI). The specimens contain non-hybrid and intercalated hybrid that were manufactured by hand lay-up process in 9 layers. The projectile was sharp-tipped (tip angle: 36.90) with a conical head and with length of 30 mm. Experimental analysis was performed using a high velocity impact (ballistic) apparatus at velocity of 213 m/s (more than the ballistic limit of all specimens at different angles). Angles of impact are considered as normal, 15°, 30° and 45°. The results show that the energy absorption in hybrid composites is higher than pure specimens. In hybrid composites, when the Aramid fabrics is subjected to the projectile, energy absorption is increased 33.8% relative to pure Aramid fabrics 200GSM and 42.9% to pure basalt. On the other hand, when basalt is exposed to projectile, increment in energy absorption compared to pure Aramid fabrics and Basalt is 28.8% and 37.5%, respectively. Also, energy absorption at impact angles 15o, 30o and 45o are on average increased 14%, 22% and 37% compared to normal impact, respectively.