Dynamic deflection responses of glass/epoxy hybrid composite structure filled with hollow-glass microbeads

The dynamic deflection characteristics of the hybrid composite structure (hollow-glass microsphere and multi-layer glass/epoxy composite) were computed numerically using in-house MATLAB code and verified with experimental results. The physical hybrid structural model is derived in the framework of equivalent higher-order single-layer kinematic theory considering the continuity of inter-laminar shear stresses to imitate the actual deformation behavior. The solutions are computed through the computer code prepared in MATLAB in conjunction with the prepared mathematical model. The model stability and accuracy have been verified by comparing the present results with the available benchmark solutions. Additionally, the hybrid multi-layered composite panel is fabricated by taking different volume fractions of the hollow-glass microsphere and the composite properties recorded from the experimental test for the subsequent utilization. Furthermore, the experimental transient data are compared with the finite element solutions to show the model adequacy. Finally, a few primary input parameters affecting the structural stiffness and the related design aspect, including the geometrical configuration efficacy, have been explored using the currently developed finite element model.