Experimental and numerical investigation on Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) dispersed CFRP laminate subjected to spherical and conical impacts

As lightweight and load-bearing efficiency needs have grown, conventional metal has steadily given way to carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates. Also, CFRP laminates are more prone to localised damage due to impact loads like tool drop, runway debris and hail stone. This paper, investigated the penetration and perforation behaviour of CFRP laminate reinforced with 0.2 and 0.5 wt% MWCNTs. The projectile impact experiment was conducted using spherical and conical projectiles and the impact resistance was evaluated. The results revealed that 0.5 wt% MWCNTs embedded in CFRP laminate provided better impact resistance to both projectiles. The ballistic limit velocity was enhanced by 14.2% and 17.9% for spherical and conical projectiles, respectively, in the case of 0.5 wt% MWCNTs. Furthermore, numerical simulations were performed using an orthotropic model with Chang-Chang composite failure criteria. The results from numerical findings were consistent. It was concluded that MWCNTs reinforcement improves the projectile impact resistance and energy absorption.