Effect of thickness on the damage tolerance of glass/epoxy laminates subject to repeated impacts. (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Paolino, Davide S; Cavatorta, Maria Pia; Belingardi, Giovanni
• Other Names: Abrate Serge guest-editor.; Crupi Vincenzo guest-editor.; Epasto Gabriella guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Volume 232:Number 8(2018)
• Page Start: 1363
• Page End: 1373
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: Low velocity impact -- damage accumulation -- stacking sequence -- glass fiber-reinforced composite; Mechanical engineering -- Periodicals; 621.05
• DOI: 10.1177/0954406217737582
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-4062

Abstract

To evaluate the influence of layer and laminate thickness on the repeated impact response of E-glass/epoxy laminates, two types of cross-ply stacking sequences ([0/90]3n and [03 /903 ]n ), with two different thicknesses (4 mm and 8 mm), were analyzed. The investigation, led by running quasi-static perforation tests and repeated impact tests, outlined the better performance of [03 /903 ]n laminates. Experimental results were analyzed through a macroscopic damage variable (damage index DI) and by microscopic observation and digitalized profiles of impacted specimens. The higher damage tolerance of [03 /903 ]n laminates was found to depend on the capability of spreading the damage over a more extended area and of tolerating a higher permanent deflection. For both laminate types, the end of the steady damage accumulation phase was observed to correspond to through-thickness transverse cracking.