Abstract
Two-dimensional (unidirectional) and 3-D woven carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) panels were produced by Albany Engineered Composites. Coupons were machined from the laminates for various mechanical tests in tension, torsion, and delamination. A batch of neat resin was also produced and the mechanical properties of the resin were determined. Some of the mechanical tests were performed at medium and high strain rates. The panels were tested under ballistic impact while recording the back face deflection with a stereo pair of high-speed cameras to perform digital image correlation. Additionally, an ultra-high-speed camera provided a better resolution of the initial (50 ms) pyramid that forms after impact. The mechanical tests were used to determine the material properties of the constituents as well as the strength of the interface between matrix and fibers. The properties were incorporated in material models in LS-DYNA to perform simulations of the mechanical tests as well as the ballistic experiments. The ballistic limits, residual velocities, and deflection histories served as a validation of the model and were predicted with good accuracy for two thicknesses of the two-dimensional composite and one of the 3-D composite.
Highlights
The composite material volume in the new Boeing 787 is 80% by volume or 50% by weight
It is well known that carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) are not efficient under impact and, in particular, under ballistic impact
SwRI partnered with Albany Engineered Composites (AEC), a developer and manufacturer of advanced composite materials used in the aerospace and automotive industries
Summary
The composite material volume in the new Boeing 787 is 80% by volume or 50% by weight. This represents a major technology breakthrough as the weight savings is around 20%. It is well known that CFRPs are not efficient under impact and, in particular, under ballistic impact. This problem is poorly understood and the computer models usually only qualitatively match the ballistic experimental results. Some of the mechanical tests were performed at medium and high strain rates. The panels were tested under ballistic impact while recording the back face deflection with a stereo pair of high-speed cameras to perform digital image correlation. A more detailed paper is expected to be published in the near future
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