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The Influence of Fiber Orientation on the Energy Absorption Performance of Hybrid Double Hat Structures under Bending Impact

Worachat Senakum, Kunanon Sakkampang, Nirut Onsalung

Abstract


This study investigated the energy absorption performance of hybrid composite double hat structures made from carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) under bending impact loading. Sixteen laminate configurations were fabricated using two stacking sequences, [0/90] and [45/−45], through a vacuum forming process. The specimens were tested using a vertical impact testing machine at an impact velocity of 5.42 m/s, and a finite element model was developed to simulate damage behavior under impact. The results showed that the carbon fiber configuration CC[45/−45]₄ achieved the highest specific energy absorption of 0.364 kJ/kg. Among the hybrid laminates, CG[45/−45]₄ achieved a specific energy absorption of 0.261 kJ/kg, demonstrating comparable performance with reduced material cost. These findings indicate that hybrid CFRP/GFRP composites can provide a cost-effective alternative for lightweight energy-absorbing structures without substantially compromising mechanical performance.

Keywords



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DOI: 10.14416/j.asep.2026.08.019

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