Chapter 12 - Low-Speed Impact on Composite Box Containing Water

Abstract

An experiment was designed and conducted to study the effects of fluid–structure interaction (FSI) in a fluid-filled cubic composite box subjected to low-velocity impact. A fabrication technique was developed for creating a composite cubic structure, and an experimental setup for analyzing a low-velocity impact was designed and built. The behavior of the composite structure was studied at various water fill levels and impact velocities. The water level inside the structure was varied incrementally from empty (0% fill) to full (100% fill). The behavior for each test case was analyzed and compared using the impact load measurements, strain measurements on each face, and high-speed video. Two types of baffles were designed and fabricated for testing. The behavior of the structure with and without a baffle was compared. The results showed that the effect of FSI on the composite box was significant and varied with the fluid-filled level. In addition, the effect of a baffle varied between the sides of the structure with the most notable effect being on the front and back sides. The baffle provided the greatest strain reduction at the high-fill levels.