An Investigation into the Influence of Strain Rate on the Mechanical Response of Kevlar/Glass Hybrid Composites

Abstract

This study proposes a micromechanics-based rate-dependent progressive damage model for predicting the dynamic mechanical behavior of hybrid composite laminates under strain rates. The model integrates the strain-rate sensitivity of constituent materials Glass fibers, Kevlar fibers, and an epoxy matrix facilitating independent simulation of fiber and matrix responses across diverse loading conditions. By employing the Mori–Tanaka method, Hashin’s criteria, and Johnson-Cook formulations, the framework incorporates critical parameters such as fiber orientation, ply sequence, and layer thickness ratio, enabling a comprehensive assessment of their influence on macroscopic mechanical properties. Theoretical predictions indicate that elevated strain rates substantially enhance tensile strength, failure strain, and elastic modulus. Benchmark comparisons with established numerical models confirm the accuracy of the proposed approach in capturing strain-rate-dependent behavior. Furthermore, the analysis highlights the role of hybridization in optimizing structural performance under dynamic loading, with demonstrated improvements in impact resistance and energy absorption efficiency. The presented model provides a computationally efficient and robust analytical tool for evaluating the strain-rate-sensitive response of hybrid composites, offering significant potential for the design and optimization of lightweight structures in aerospace, automotive, and defense applications.