Experimental study of low-velocity impacts on glass-epoxy laminated composite plates

Abstract

In this investigation, glass-epoxy laminated plates were subjected to crush experimental tests in a SHIMATSU universal traction machine and low-velocity crash impact tests in a drop test IMATEK machine. The results are shown and the dimensions of the damage are evaluated. The characterization of the damage is done in relation to the type of test, the ply stacking sequence, the plate dimensions and the maximum force achieved in the impact. In order to verify if low-velocity impacts can be modelled by crush tests on laminated composites, the results are compared and several relevant ideas are developed. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media, B.V.