Low-velocity impact response of 3D woven solid structures for multi-scale applications: role of yarn maneuverability and weave architecture

Three-dimensional woven fabrics (3DWFs) possess excellent mechanical properties and structural integrity due to reinforcement in the through-thickness direction. Composites made of 3DWFs have manifested outstanding impact resistance phenomena like delamination suppression, enhanced ballistic impact, and blast performance. This study investigates the low-velocity impact (LVI) responses of 3D orthogonal and 3D angle-interlock woven fabrics of various weave architectures. Four hybridized structures were manufactured by varying the binder yarn path along the Z-axis using multiple high-performance fibres. 3DWFs were subjected to single and multiple LVI tests at an impact energy of 50J and a velocity of 3.14 ms⁻¹. The experimental results revealed that weave architecture, binder yarn float-length, yarn-to-yarn crossover points, stuffer binder ratio, and yarn maneuverability influence the damage tolerance of 3DWFs. Individual 3DWFs were subjected to multiple LVI events to determine how they would react up to catastrophic damage, such as complete perforation and yarn pull-out. Single and multiple LVI experiments showed that hybridized 3DWFs were more resilient to low-velocity impacts than virgin E-glass preforms. 3D orthogonal plain 1 × 1 E-glass/Kevlar (KGORPL) hybrid structure outperformed its counterparts during repeated impact episodes.