Multi-layer advanced fiber hybridisation (glass-carbon-Kevlar) and variable stiffness effect on composite structure responses (stress and deformation): An FE approach

This article reported the influence of one/more numbers advanced layer fibre hybridization effect on the composite structural stiffness and the stress behaviour under the variable loading (uniformly distributed and sinusoidal) are computed numerically through an isoparametric finite element approach. This is the first time the hybrid composite panel model is derived in the framework of the higher-order kinematic model to satisfy the inter-laminar stress continuity via the strains. The necessary structural equilibrium equations under the influence of variable mechanical loadings are derived through the variational principle to compute the panel’s central point deflections, as well as the stress values. The varied structural stiffness and their corresponding deflection parameters due to the hybridization of different advanced fibres (Carbon/Glass/Kevlar) are obtained through an in-house computer code (prepared in MATLAB) by incorporating the necessary elastic constant through the constitutive relationship. The steadiness of the numerical solution is confirmed and extended further to verify the necessary solution correctness by solving a different number of examples similar to the published results. The influences of structural parameters relevant to the geometry, boundary conditions and the order of hybridizing layers on the bending strength have been highlighted by solving a series of examples and explained in details.