Investigation of the response to low velocity impact and quasi-static indentation loading of particle-toughened carbon-fibre composite materials. (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bull, D.J.; Spearing, S.M.; Sinclair, I.
• Is Part Of: Composites. Volume 74(2015)
• Page Start: 38
• Page End: 46
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: B. Impact behaviour -- B. Delamination -- C. Damage mechanics -- X-ray computed tomography; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Manufacturing processes -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Manufacturing processes; Periodicals; 620.11805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2015.03.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-835X

Abstract

Abstract: This work investigates damage caused by low velocity impact and quasi-static indentation loading in four different particle-toughened composite systems, and one untoughened system. For impact tests, a range of energies were used between 25 and 50 J. For QSI, coupons were interrupted at increasing loading point displacement levels from 2 to 5 mm to allow for monitoring of damage initiation and propagation. In both loading cases, non-destructive inspection techniques were used, consisting of ultrasonic C-scan and X-ray micro-focus computed tomography. These techniques are complemented with instrumentation to capture force–displacement data, whereby load-drops are associated with observed damage modes. Key results from this work highlight particular issues regarding strain-rate sensitivity of delamination development and an earlier onset of fibre fracture associated with particle-toughened systems. These issues, in addition to observations on the role of micro-scale events on damage morphology, are discussed with a focus on material development and material testing practices.