Characterization of impact damage in ARALL laminates

Abstract

Indentation tests have been performed to model the contact behaviour between ARALL laminates and a steel ball. Subsequently, low-velocity impact testing was conducted to determine the failure modes due to impact. A sectioning technique has been used to examine impact damage in the laminate. The results show that the strength degradation in ARALL laminates resulting from impact depends on the fiber orientation. Strength in the transverse direction remains insensitive to impact damage, while in the fiber direction, the strength decreases as impact velocity increases beyond a certain range. Residual strength after impact can be determined solely from the permanent local indentation left by the impactor.