Effect of thickness on the damage tolerance of glass/epoxy laminates subject to repeated impacts

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.

Keywords

Low velocity impact damage accumulation stacking sequence glass fiber-reinforced composite

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