Effects of ply hybridisation on delamination in hybrid laminates at CorTen steel/M79LT-UD600 composite interfaces

The present study conducts a comprehensive examination of fracture behaviour in hybrid composites subjected to static loading, combining both numerical and experimental approaches. Specifically, the investigation focuses on hybrid laminates to elucidate the effect of ply hybridisation on delamination within dissimilar metal-composite interfaces. Variation in ply orientation and stacking sequence is also explored to investigate their effects on fracture behaviour. Additionally, monolithic angle-ply laminates are also considered to assess free edge delamination at dissimilar interfaces. Numerical analysis is employed to evaluate interlaminar stresses at dissimilar interfaces in both monolithic and hybrid laminates. This analysis utilises a developed semi-analytical framework, integrating dimensional analysis to derive expression for interlaminar stresses. Through the utilisation of a numerical model, non-dimensional functions are calculated, further refining the understanding of interlaminar stress distributions at the dissimilar interfaces. The findings highlight the influence of ply orientation and stacking sequence on the mechanical performance and delamination behaviour of dissimilar interfaces. By offering insights into fracture mechanisms, this research provides valuable guidance for optimising the design and enhancing the performance of both monolithic and hybrid laminates in structural applications. The combination of numerical and experimental investigations yields a comprehensive understanding of fracture behaviour, contributing to advancements in composite materials design and applications.