Estimating method of the impact strength of FRP plates by drop weight tests

Abstract

This paper describes alternative measuring and estimating methods for the current drop weight impact test used to determine the impact strength of fibre reinforced plastics. The measuring method is characterized by measurement of the real load responses at impact applied points and the displacement responses by the camera without contact. The estimating methods proposed here are the determination by the dynamic load and displacement relationship based on the dynamic load and displacement relationship based on the precise measurement and the estimating by the frequency response function converted from the applied load variations and the strain responses in the specimens. As a result, strength of FRP against impulsive loading and the existence of some damage can be determined with better accuracy by utilizing the proposed measuring and estimating methods.