| Abstract: | The impact properties of injection-molded nylon 6.6 composites containing different loadings of short carbon fibers have been studied using an instrumented falling weight impact tester (IFWIT). Analysis of the impact data using linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) has enabled the evaluation of the critical strain energy release rate, Gc. Instrumentation of the impact machine has facilitated the determination of another fracture mechanic parameter, the fracture toughness, Kc. Both parameters are observed to increase with increasing volume fraction of fibers. Examination of fracture surfaces using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has revealed that the main energy dissipative processes responsible for toughening the composites is the fiber pull-out mechanism. |
