Comprehensive review of modeling and material selection for hybrid sandwich composites for ballistic impact application using Six Sigma DMAIC methodology

Abstract

Natural fiber-based PMC (polymer matrix composites) have recently been increasingly popular because of their reduced product weight, low material costs, and renewable sources. Hybrid composites with different combinations of fibers/matrix are attracting interest from many manufacturing industries and researchers for various applications because of their specialized mechanical and impact properties. Hybridization is one of the most essential and indispensable strategies to improve composite material performance. Hybrid sandwich composites are reviewed to enhance the mechanical properties. They mainly concentrate on improving impact properties with increased energy absorption and penetration behavior, making them competent for advanced applications. The most time-consuming and challenging task is identifying the suitable composite material for a specific application. Selecting a suitable fiber and matrix is a difficult job for impact applications because the impact can cause severe damage to composite used in structural applications. The main objective of this review is to select suitable fiber and matrix combinations for impact application by exploring the literature gap. The Six Sigma DMAIC methodology provides a different approach to the selection of material. The benefit of this methodology is the choice of material has been made based on a twofold decision-making process that provides an accurate result. In addition to this blending, the qualitative approach (Pugh method) and the quantitative approach (Analytical hierarchy process) produce more accurate results during the comparison process, making it easier to choose the best material. © IMechE 2025.