An experimental investigation on the low velocity impact response of composite plates repaired by VARIM and hand lay-up processes

This paper presents results of an experimental investigation on the impact response of repaired and unrepaired glass/epoxy composite plates. Repaired samples were prepared by two different manufacturing methods; vacuum assisted resin infusion process and hand lay-up technique. In order to compare impact response of the repaired and unrepaired samples a number of single impact tests were performed under various impact energies. Damage process of the samples is analyzed from cross-examining load–deflection curves and damaged specimens. From the visual inspection, for the impacted side of the samples, it is noted that the main damage modes for repaired samples are matrix and fiber cracks around point of impact and delaminations while severe matrix cracks expanded through fiber directions are the dominant damage mode for unrepaired samples. At the back surfaces, delaminations and fiber–matrix debonding oriented in the fiber directions are observed for unrepaired samples. However, for repaired samples the fiber fractures through repair line as well as the delaminations become dominant modes. For a reasoning justification in discussing impact test results, interlaminar fracture toughness (Mode I and Mode II) and flexural tests for repaired and non-repaired samples were also conducted.     

Impact response of thick glass fibre reinforced polyester laminates

Thick glass/polyester woven roving laminated plates subject to low-velocity impact have been investigated using a guided drop-weight test rig in ascending energy order up to 1500 J. The impact response and energy-absorbing characteristics have been determined by impact-forces and absorbed-energy histories, and by force-displacement relationships. Impact damage is examined by visual inspection, ultrasonic C-scan and an optical microscope so that a three-staged sequential damage model is proposed to characterize damage growth. Static tests are also conducted to examine strain rate effect. It is demonstrated that the maximum impact forces are increased by 36% for the thin plates and by 22% for the thick plates, although the initial threshold forces are less strain-rate sensitive. Two thicknesses of laminated plates are used to study the thickness effect, and the scaling rules are developed for the delaminated plates. It is shown that both the maximum static and impact forces, and the incident kinetic energy can be scaled by the thickness ratio if these laminates have the same diameter and their behaviour is dominated by shear. The finite element modelling is carried out for relatively low energy cases, the impact structural response is well captured by linear elastic solution.     

Low velocity impact response and damage of laminate composite glass fibre/epoxy based tri-block copolymer

Two types of laminate composites made of glass fibre/epoxy matrix (EPO_FV) and glass fibre/epoxy modified tri-block copolymer (Nanostrength) matrix (EPONS_FV) were manufactured by compression moulding. Some AFM investigations have been done to identify the Nanostrength dispersion in the epoxy matrix and some DMA analyses have been performed, at different frequencies, to understand the frequency or the strain rate sensitivity of both composites. Compared to EPO_FV, EPONS_FV exhibits a significant frequency/strain rate sensitivity. Impact resistance of the composite was investigated by means of low velocity impact tests. The low velocity impact results indicate that the addition of Nanostrength leads to the improved impact resistance and an increase in absorbed energy, especially at high impact energy level. SEM observations, performed on ion polished samples, reveal the presence of micro-cracks for both composites. Micro-cracks consist of a coalescence of fibre matrix de-bonding. It was also observed that EPONS_FV contains a lower density of micro-cracks compared to EPO_FV, confirming the fact that the composite with Nanostrength absorbs more energy by Nanostrength micelles cavitation.     

A study on the low-velocity impact response of laminates for composite railway bodyshells

This paper presents a study on the low-velocity impact response of woven fabric laminates for the composite bodyshell of a tilting railway vehicle. In this study, low-velocity impact tests for the three laminates with size of 100 mm × 100 mm were conducted at three impact energy levels of 2.4 J, 2.7 J and 4.2 J. Based on these tests, the impact force, the absorbed energy and the damaged area were investigated according to different energy levels and stacking sequences. The damage area was evaluated by visual inspection and C-scan measurement. The test results showed that the absorbed energy of [fill]₈ laminate was highest whereas [fill₂/warp₂]_s laminate was lowest. The [fill]₈ laminate had the largest delamination area because of the highest impact energy absorption.     

A comparative study on low-velocity impact response of fabric composite laminates

Impact behaviors at low velocity of composite laminates reinforced with fabrics of different architectures are investigated. Unidirectional prepreg, 2D woven and 3D orthogonal fabrics, all formed of Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) filaments, were selected as reinforcements to form composite laminates using hot pressing technology. Low velocity impact tests were conducted using a drop-weight impact equipment at the energy level of 35 J. A three-coordinate measuring device was employed to determine the volume of plastic deformation and surface dent diameter. The results show that the composite laminates of single-ply 3D orthogonal woven fabric exhibit better energy absorbed capacity and impact damage resistance as compared to those of unidirectional and 2D plain-woven fabric.     

The response of composite structures with pre-stress subject to low velocity impact damage

The effect of an initial pre-stress on the response of carbon-fibre/epoxy laminated plates subjected to low velocity impact is investigated. Prior to being impacted, the samples are loaded either uniaxially or biaxially using a specially designed test rig which enables tension or compression loading, independent on each axis. Impact tests were carried out for two impact energies for uniaxial and biaxial tension, pure shear and the zero pre-stress cases. The effect of the pre-stress on the permanent indentation depth, absorbed energy and peak impact loads is experimentally quantified.

The results indicate that the penetration/perforation depth, peak load and absorbed energy are essentially independent of the nature and magnitude of the pre-stress at low levels of impact energy (6 J), becoming more significant at higher levels of impact energy (10 J).     

Multi-site impact response of S2-glass/epoxy composite laminates

High velocity transverse impact to laminated fiber reinforced composites is of interest in marine, military and civilian applications. Most studies in literature have addressed single point isolated impact events; while this work draws distinction in that we consider multi-site sequential and simultaneous impacts to composite structures. The overall objectives of this work were to investigate the response of laminated composites subjected to high velocity, multi-site impacts from a modeling and experimental viewpoint. Energy absorption, new surface creation, and failure mechanisms from sequential and simultaneous multi-site high velocity impacts are compared to assess additive and cumulative effects of these scenarios. Finite element modeling (LS-DYNA 3D) was used to gain insight into failure modes, energy absorption, and damage prediction. The modeling results correlated well with experimental data obtained from three layer laminates of vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) processed S2-glass/SC-15 epoxy. The impact damage has been characterized using optical nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques. Specimens subjected to sequential impact exhibited average of 10% greater energy absorption and 18% increase in damage than specimens impacted simultaneously.     

Failure and penetration response of borosilicate glass during short-rod impact

A series of reverse ballistic experiments reveal further properties of the failure front (FF) associated with the penetration of borosilicate glass by a gold rod. Importantly, the FF ceases to propagate a short time after the rod is fully eroded. The rods, 1 mm in diameter, were short (5–11 mm). The glass targets were 20-mm diameter cylinders, 60-mm or 100-mm long. Impact velocities varied between 1 and 2 km/s. The impact and penetration process was observed with five flash X-rays and a 16-frame high-speed optical camera. A FF propagates from the impact region. The velocity of FF propagation is an increasing function of the impact velocity. The termination of the FF can reasonably be predicted in most cases with a simple model that assumes a rarefaction wave, originating at the time of complete rod erosion, propagates from the bottom of the penetration channel to the FF at a speed equal to the bulk wave speed of undamaged glass.     

Current injection phase thermography for low-velocity impact damage identification in composite laminates

An innovative non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technique is presented based on current stimulated thermography. Modulated electric current is injected to Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastics (CFRP) laminates as an external source of thermal excitation. Pulsed Phase Thermography (PPT) is concurrently employed to identify low velocity impact induced (LVI) damage. The efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated for both plain and with Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) modified laminates, which are subjected to low-velocity impact damaged composite laminates at different energy levels. The presence of the nano reinforcing phase is important in achieving a uniform current flow along the laminate, as it improves the through thickness conductivity. The acquired thermographs are compared with optical PPT, C-scan images and Computer Tomography (CT) representations. The typical energy input for successful damage identification with current injection is three to four orders of magnitude less compared to the energy required for optical PPT.     

复合材料层板低速冲击后剩余压缩强度

对两种材料体系和铺层的复合材料层合板进行低速冲击后压缩强度试验 , 以研究低速冲击后层合板的压缩破坏机理。讨论了表面凹坑深度、 背面基体裂纹长度、 损伤面积以及剩余压缩强度与冲击能量的关系。在试验研究的基础上 , 建立了复合材料低速冲击后剩余强度估算的一种椭圆形弹性核模型。该模型将冲击损伤等效为一刚度折减的椭圆形弹性核 , 采用含任意椭圆核各向异性板杂交应力有限元分析含损伤层合板的应力应变状态 ,并应用点应力判据预测层板的压缩(或压、 剪)剩余强度。理论分析与试验结果对比表明 , 该模型简单有效。      

Failure analysis of low velocity impact on thin composite laminates: Experimental and numerical approaches

The dynamic behavior of composite laminates is very complex because there are many concurrent phenomena during composite laminate failure under impact load. Fiber breakage, delaminations, matrix cracking, plastic deformations due to contact and large displacements are some effects which should be considered when a structure made from composite material is impacted by a foreign object. Thus, an investigation of the low velocity impact on laminated composite thin disks of epoxy resin reinforced by carbon fiber is presented. The influence of stacking sequence and energy impact was investigated using load–time histories, displacement–time histories and energy–time histories as well as images from NDE. Indentation tests results were compared to dynamic results, verifying the inertia effects when thin composite laminate was impacted by foreign object with low velocity. Finite element analysis (FEA) was developed, using Hill’s model and material models implemented by UMAT (User Material Subroutine) into software ABAQUS™, in order to simulate the failure mechanisms under indentation tests.     

Damage response of stitched cross-ply laminates under impact loadings

The impact response of stitched graphite/epoxy laminates was examined with the aim of evaluating the efficiency of stitching as a reinforcing mechanism able to improve the delamination resistance of laminates. The investigation, which focussed on two classes of cross-ply stacking sequences ([0₃/90₃]_s and [0/90]_3s), showed that the role of stitches in controlling damage progression of laminates and their capability to reduce the impact sensitivity of specimens are greatly dependent on the impact behaviour of base (unstitched) laminates. In [0₃/90₃]_s laminates, in particular, stitching is able to reduce damage area, on condition that the impact energy is higher than a threshold level and delaminations are sufficiently developed. In [0/90]_3s laminates, on the other hand, stress concentration regions generated by the stitching process appear to promote the initiation and propagation of fibre fractures, thereby inducing a decrease in the penetration resistance of the laminate.     

缝合复合材料层板低速冲击损伤数值模拟

建立了缝合复合材料层板在低速冲击载荷下的渐进损伤分析模型。模型中采用空间杆单元模拟缝线的作用;采用三维实体单元模拟缝合层板,通过基于应变描述的Hashin准则,结合相应的材料性能退化方案模拟层板的损伤和演化;采用界面单元模拟层间界面,结合传统的应力失效判据和断裂力学中的应变能释放率准则判断分层的起始和扩展规律。通过对碳800环氧树脂复合材料（T800/5228）层板的数值仿真结果和试验结果相比较,验证了模型的正确性,同时讨论了不同冲击能量下缝合层板的损伤规律。研究结果表明：缝线能够有效地抑制层板的分层损伤扩展;相同冲击能量下缝合与未缝合层板的基体损伤和纤维损伤在厚度分布上相似,缝合层板的损伤都要小于未缝合层板。     

Prediction of structural response for low velocity impact

The complete modeling for impact on flexible structures can always be done through a three-dimensional finite element model. The FEM approach is often very costly both from modeling and calculation duration point of views, so it can be simplified by using simplified impact models. The selection of an impact model depends on the structural response, thus one should be able to predict the expected structural response a priori in order to select an appropriate impact model. Impact duration is an important parameter that can be helpful for predicting the expected structural response. This paper provides guidelines for the prediction of the structural response on the basis of impact duration and the fundamental period of the impacted structure. A criterion for defining a precise upper limit of low velocity impact is also developed.     

Characterization of fracture modes in stitched and unstitched cross-ply laminates subjected to low-velocity impact and compression after impact loading

The insertion of transverse reinforcing threads by stitching is a very promising technique to restrict impact damage growth and to improve post-impact residual strength of laminates. In order to develop general models capable of addressing the issues of impact resistance and damage tolerance of stitched laminates, detailed understanding of the nature and extent of damage, identification of the dominant fracture modes and assessment of the effect of stitches on the damage development are essential. In this study, both instrumented drop-weight tests and compression-after-impact tests were carried out to examine and compare the damage responses of stitched and unstitched graphite/epoxy laminates subjected to low-velocity impact. The progression of damage and its effect on post-impact performance was investigated in detail in two classes of cross ply laminates ([0₃/90₃]_s and [0/90]_3s) by means of an extensive series of damage observations, conducted with various complementary techniques (X-radiography, ultrasonics, optical microscopy, deply). The results of the analyses carried out during the study to characterize the key fracture modes and to clarify their relationship with the structural performance of both stitched and unstitched laminates are reported and discussed in the paper.     

Low velocity impact response of autoclaved aerated concrete/CFRP sandwich plates

Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC)-CFRP composites have proven to be structurally efficient combinations for lightweight structural components such as floor beams, lintels, walls or columns. Besides the need to possess adequate flexural properties, AAC/CFRP structures need to be evaluated for their ability to withstand localized damage. During service, the before mentioned structural members are subjected to impact loading that varies from localized object impact, blast due to explosions, or to high velocity impact of debris during tornados, hurricanes, or storms. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the response of AAC/CFRP sandwich structures to low velocity impact (LVI) and to compare the experimental results to the predicted energy absorptions values given by an energy balance model. AAC/CFRP panels are prone to heavy object impacts under relatively low velocities such as in the case of object/tool drops on floor beams or low velocity collisions against columns.     

缝合复合材料层板低速冲击及冲击后压缩实验研究

通过对缝合复合材料层板进行低速冲击和冲击后压缩实验, 研究了不同类型的缝合复合材料层板的冲击损伤特性及冲击后压缩的剩余强度。实验研究表明: 基体损伤和分层是缝合层板与未缝合层板低速冲击的主要损伤模式, 缝合层板具有更好的抗冲击性能, 更高的冲击后压缩强度。缝合密度越大的层板其抗冲击性能越好, 冲击后压缩强度越高。缝合方向为0°的缝合层板较缝合方向为90°的缝合层板具有更好的抗冲击性能和更高的冲击后压缩强度。增加0°方向铺层, 减少45°、-45°方向铺层, 可以提高缝合层板的抗冲击性能和冲击后压缩强度。     

含低速冲击损伤复合材料层合板剩余压缩强度及疲劳性能试验研究

对T300/QY8911复合材料层板进行了低速冲击、 冲击后压缩以及冲击后疲劳试验研究。通过对冲击后的层板进行目视检测和超声C扫描获得了层板受低速冲击后的若干损伤特征; 在压-压疲劳试验中, 测量了损伤的扩展情况。讨论了冲击能量与损伤面积以及冲击后剩余压缩强度的关系, 分析了含冲击损伤层合板在压缩载荷及压-压疲劳载荷下的主要破坏机制。结果表明, 低速冲击损伤对该类层板的强度和疲劳性能影响很大, 在3.75 J/mm的冲击能量下, 层板剩余压缩强度下降了65%; 在压-压疲劳载荷作用下, 其损伤扩展大致可分为两个阶段, 占整个疲劳寿命约60%的前一阶段损伤扩展较为缓慢; 而疲劳寿命的后半阶段损伤则开始加速扩展, 并导致材料破坏。     

Penetration and failure of lead and borosilicate glass against rod impact

This paper presents the experimental design and results for gold rod impact on DEDF (5.19 g/cm³) and Borofloat (2.2 g/cm³) glass by visualizing simultaneously failure propagation in the glass with a high-speed camera and rod penetration with flash radiography. At a given impact velocity, the velocity of the failure front is significantly higher during early penetration than during steady-state penetration of the rod. For equal pressures but different stress states, the failure front velocities determined from Taylor tests or planar-impact tests are greater than those observed during steady-state rod penetration. The ratio of average failure front velocity to rod penetration velocity decreases with increasing impact velocity (v_p) in the range of v_p=0.4–2.8 km/s. As a consequence, the distance between the rod tip and the failure front is reduced with increasing _vp$v_{\mathrm{p}}$. The Tate term R_T increases with impact velocity.     

Low-velocity impact analysis of composite laminates under initial in-plane load

In this paper, low-velocity impact response and damage of composite laminates is analytically investigated. A modified displacement field of the plate considering initially loaded in-plane strain is proposed. From the displacement field, a finite element equation on the structural behavior of composite laminate is newly induced and a computational program is coded. Numerical results using the FEM code is compared with the numerical ones from reference. Additional numerical analysis is performed on another impact condition, and the effect of initial in-plane load is investigated. Potential delamination damage area in the first inter-ply surface from the bottom of the laminate is approximately estimated, and the effect of the initial in-plane load and the impact condition are also investigated. Consequently, it may be concluded that the initial in-plane load of the laminate does not affect so much on the impact damage area of the laminate.