<p>This study investigates the influence of ply orientation on failure modes in carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites under low-velocity impact (LVI) loading. Finite element analysis is employed to simulate the low-velocity impact response of CFRP composite plates with different ply orientations and fiber configurations, including continuous (hexagonal, diamond, and square), random continuous, chopped, and woven fibers. The Hashin failure criterion is used to predict damage initiation in the fiber and matrix. The results reveal that fiber architecture and orientation significantly affect stress distribution and failure characteristics. Continuous fiber configurations exhibit stress concentrations at fiber intersections, introducing potential weak points. Random continuous and chopped fibers demonstrate improved stress distribution and resistance to crack propagation. Woven configuration consistently shows superior stress distribution and structural integrity. However, ply orientation is found to influence matrix tension and compression failures. The orientation <InlineEquation ID="IEq1"> <EquationSource Format="TEX">\(\left[ {0^\circ / + 45^\circ / - 45^\circ /0^\circ } \right]_{s}\)</EquationSource> <EquationSource Format="MATHML"><math> <msub> <mfenced close="]" open="["> <mrow> <msup> <mn>0</mn> <mo>∘</mo> </msup> <mo stretchy="false">/</mo> <mo>+</mo> <msup> <mn>45</mn> <mo>∘</mo> </msup> <mo stretchy="false">/</mo> <mo>-</mo> <msup> <mn>45</mn> <mo>∘</mo> </msup> <mo stretchy="false">/</mo> <msup> <mn>0</mn> <mo>∘</mo> </msup> </mrow> </mfenced> <mi>s</mi> </msub> </math></EquationSource> </InlineEquation> layup exhibits enhanced resistance to matrix-related failures except woven type as compared to the <InlineEquation ID="IEq2"> <EquationSource Format="TEX">\([0^\circ /90^\circ /90^\circ /0^\circ ]_{s}\)</EquationSource> <EquationSource Format="MATHML"><math> <msub> <mrow> <mo stretchy="false">[</mo> <msup> <mn>0</mn> <mo>∘</mo> </msup> <mo stretchy="false">/</mo> <msup> <mn>90</mn> <mo>∘</mo> </msup> <mo stretchy="false">/</mo> <msup> <mn>90</mn> <mo>∘</mo> </msup> <mo stretchy="false">/</mo> <msup> <mn>0</mn> <mo>∘</mo> </msup> <mo stretchy="false">]</mo> </mrow> <mi>s</mi> </msub> </math></EquationSource> </InlineEquation> layup. The findings highlight the complex interactions between fiber orientations, matrix properties, and failure modes, providing valuable insights for designing CFRP composites with enhanced LVIs performance. These findings contribute in the better selection of advanced materials for potential applications in aerospace, defense, and civilian safety sectors. </p>