Experimental validation of a novel anti-buckling device for compression after impact tests

Abstract

Compression After Impact (CAI) test is normally used for the assessment of damage tolerance of composite laminates. The applicable specification for the execution of these tests is AITM 1-0010. However, for thicknessess under 4mm were buckling occurs, the applicable specification is the AITM 1-0077, which introduces the use of anti-buckling tooling covering the entire surface of the specimens. The tooling, which is used in the aeronautical industry  for the testing of thin specimens presents two problems which are the difficulty of assembly and of obtaining realiable results, and the visibility of the specimen during the test. This work comprises the design, manufacturing and validation of a novel anti-buckling device for compression after impact thin specimens. For that purpose, a study of the specification toolings along with a review of the already developed anti-buckling tooling literature has been carried. As part of the validation process three series of impacted specimens of 3mm thickness. This activity is developed as part of the project CERES, which is framed under Clean Sky 2, and has the main objective of validating the manufactured anti-buckling tooling. This tooling has been developed as an innovative solution for its application in compression after impact thin specimens.