Quasi-Static Indentation Testing of Nature-Inspired Multiangle Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Composites

This study investigates the quasi-static indentation response of four bio-inspired CFRP laminates with distinct stacking sequences: [0/±40/55]s, [±30/±40]s, [0/55/-35/75]s, [0/65/80/75]s, and a conventional laminate [0/±45/90]s. Inspired by helicoidal arrangements in shrimp, maple leaf, avocado pear, salmon fish, and conventional fibre architectures, these laminates were tested under quasi-static indentation to evaluate damage resistance, energy absorption, and failure modes. Results revealed that the [±30/±40]s and [0/65/80/75]s configurations exhibited the highest energy absorption (29.8 J) and (26.3 J) respectively, outperforming the quasi-isotropic [0/±45/90]s baseline. This work highlights the potential of nature-derived stacking sequences for enhancing CFRP impact tolerance in aerospace and marine applications.