Modelling and Validation of Progressive Damage in Hybrid CFRP–Elastomer Laminates Under Quasi-Static Indentation Loading

Composite materials are increasingly used in industrial applications, particularly in the aeronautic sector. However, their susceptibility to impact damage remains a critical concern, making damage tolerance a key focus for design and manufacturing. One approach to improving damage tolerance involves interleaving elastomeric films within polymeric composites, though this introduces experimental and numerical complexities. In particular, numerical simulations require reliable modelling techniques to predict the structural effects of hybridisation. This paper tested two different stacking sequences, differing in the number and placement of the elastomeric layers, under quasi-static indentation conditions. A numerical analysis was carried out using two distinct formulations of Hashin's failure criteria and a continuum damage model, implemented through specifically developed User Material Subroutines. The experimental and numerical results were then compared, and the advantages and drawbacks of each modelling technique were discussed and compared.