Low-velocity impact damage behavior and finite element simulation of electrospun nanofiber reinforced glass/epoxy composites

In this study, the effects of pure Polysulfone (PSF), 1 wt% and 2 wt% SiC-Fe3O4 nanoparticle-doped hybrid PSF nanofibers produced by the electrospinning method on low-velocity impact behavior in glass/epoxy composites were investigated. Nanofiber reinforced glass/epoxy composites were manufactured using a vacuum-assisted hand lay-up method by incorporating the nanofibers between each successive ply. Reference glass/epoxy and nanofiber reinforced glass/epoxy composites were subjected to in-plane quasi-static mechanical tests to determine the material properties. Low-velocity impact tests were performed at 10 J, 20 J, and 30 J energy levels. The front and back surfaces of the damaged specimens were photographed, and the impact damage areas were measured. In addition, after the impact tests at 30 J energy level, the cross-sectional fracture surfaces of the damaged samples were examined by optical microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Low-velocity impact simulations of reference and nanofiber reinforced glass/epoxy composites were carried out using LS-DYNA finite element software. PSF nanofiber interleaving enhanced in-plane mechanical properties by increasing the tensile and compression strengths of glass/epoxy composites. Compared to the reference composite, nanofiber reinforced composites significantly improved the impact resistance by increasing impact damage threshold load, reducing the energy absorbed and the fiber breakage areas with increased impact energy. The best improvement in impact resistance was observed in 1 wt% SiC-Fe3O4 doped hybrid PSF nanofiber reinforced glass/epoxy composites. Experimental and simulation results of low-velocity impact tests were presented comparatively on force-time, force-displacement, and energy-time curves. A good agreement was achieved between the simulation and experimental results.