Low-velocity impact and compression-after-impact behaviors of S2-glass/epoxy laminated composites under impact loading at low temperatures

Abstract

This study presents the effects of temperature, impact energy, and specimen thickness on low-velocity impact (LVI) and compression-after-impact (CAI) behaviors of composites. LVI tests were conducted by an impact test machine at 20 °C and low temperatures. CAI tests were applied to the specimens at 20 °C. Studies have revealed that a drop in temperature results in an up to 40% increase in maximum contact force. Impact damage increases significantly as impact energy increases for thick specimens. The strength of CAI reduces with a drop in temperature and an increase in impact energy while increasing with a rise in thickness.