On the mechanical behavior of laminated composite plates subjected to compression after impact tests

Abstract

The use of carbon fibers-reinforced plastic materials has progressively increased due to growing requirements of reduction in weight and high resistance. However, for this kind of materials, barely visible damages can become very critical for the carrying load capability during life cycle of primary components. This applies, especially for laminates subjected to impulsive loads such as low velocity impacts. In order to check the damage resistance and tolerance of composite panels subjected to low velocity impacts, compression after impact (CAI) tests are usually performed. In the present work, CAI tests have been carried out on composite plates laminated with plies characterized by two different material systems. According to CAI tests, the specimens have been subject, first, to a low velocity impact with a 20 J impact energy, then a compression test has been performed to assess their residual strength. The experimental results have been discussed and compared.