Numerical shape, thickness and stacking sequence optimisation and experimental study of hybrid composite plates under in-plane shear loading

Shape, thickness and stacking sequence optimisation of a damage tolerant hybrid (GFRP-CFRP) composite laminate is performed using the commercial Optistruct solver. The results study are compared to both benchmark non-damage CFRP (without protective surface GFRP plies known as type 1 laminate) traditionally optimised CFRP-GFRP (having X shape 2 laminate), designed tested in previous study. manufactured three different manufacturing techniques. experimental buckling post-buckling performance laminates investigated. approximately 8% heavier than but 17% lighter 2, with benefit favour design shown Both numerical studies show that demonstrate higher pre-buckling stiffness design. However, failure/collapse loads, unlike numerically predicted 24.31% 26.70% lower, respectively. This due significant number ply drop-offs design, hence geometric imperfections stress concentration effects at these locations leading early failure region.