TITANIUM PLY EFFECTS ON THE BEHAVIOR OF A HYBRID THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE LAMINATE

An experimental-cum-analytical study was undertaken to investigate the mechanical response of four hybrid titanium composite laminate (HTCL) systems, each prepared using a graphite-fiber-reinforced thermoplasti c polyimide as the adhesive in a unidirectional prepreg. Two of the fo ur HTCL systems were fabricated with the titanium Ti-15-3 alloy, while the other two systems were fabricated with the titanium Timetal beta- 21S alloy. The improvement in mechanical properties achieved by the in fluence of the titanium layer was assessed by comparing the uniaxial t ensile results of static strength at room temperature. An analytical s tudy was also performed to predict the laminate strength and load-defo rmation behavior based on the constituent material properties. Results included stress-strain curves, ultimate strength, longitudinal modulu s, and the description of the observed modes of failure.