The dynamic loading response of carbon-fiber-filled polymer composites

Abstract

We summarize the literature and recent experimental results pertaining to the dynamic (shock) response of carbon-fiber-filled polymer composites used extensively in aerospace, automotive and related industries. Features of the dynamic compressibility of several types of carbon-fiber-based composites are described. These include their dynamic compressibility and an observed anisotropy in dynamic response with fiber orientation, a summary of limited dynamic tensile (spall) strength experiments, and thresholds and modeling of high-pressure shock-driven chemical dissociation. Experimental data from a series of plate impact experiments within our laboratory, designed to interrogate a wide range of input conditions, are described for carbon-fiber–epoxy, –phenolic, and –cyanate ester composites. For the carbon-fiber–phenolic and –cyanate ester composites, equations of state are built for both the composite material and its decomposition products.