Low velocity impact and compressive response after impact of thin carbon fiber composite panels. (5th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Seamone, Andrew; Davidson, Paul; Waas, Anthony M.; Ranatunga, Vipul
• Is Part Of: International journal of solids and structures. Volume 257(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12-05
• Subjects: Low velocity impact -- Compression after impact -- Damage -- Delamination; Mechanics, Applied -- Periodicals; Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Elastic solids -- Periodicals; Mécanique appliquée -- Périodiques; Constructions, Théorie des -- Périodiques; Solides élastiques -- Périodiques; Elastic solids; Mechanics, Applied; Structural analysis (Engineering); Periodicals; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsolstr.2022.111604
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7683

Abstract

Abstract: Impact damage of laminated composite structures continues to be a challenging problem. The complexity of damage morphology, the sequence of damage events, and multiple damage modes pose significant challenges when it comes to design for damage tolerance. In an effort to reduce some of the complexity, a systematic experimental study was conducted to understand the sequence of damage during impact of a thin composite plate. Two configurations of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite panels were impacted with increasing impact energies. Digital image correlation (DIC), using high speed camera, was performed to measure plate deflection and strain evolution during the impact event. Detailed post impact measurement and imaging were conducted to quantify the extent of damage and delamination. Compression after impact (CAI) tests were conducted to ascertain the post impact compressive load carrying capability of the panel. The results of the experiments indicate a sequence of damage from back surface splitting, delamination and then impact surface compressive failure. Correlations were also found between impact energies, panel configuration and damage type and morphology. The data thus generated is useful for validating computational models for impact damage and CAI. An approach to performing such validation is also provided in this study.