Thermal analysis of impact damage of prepreg composite materials

Abstract

Prepreg carbon and aramid-carbon composite structures are employed in the automotive, aerospace, and sports equipment industries at a high rate, and the demand is increasing. Low velocity impact damages can be caused by human negligence, manufacturing defects or subsequently, during the exploitation of the object. Impact damages are classified as Barely Visible Impact Damage (BVID) and Visible Impact Damage (VID), which may or may not cause full penetrations. The EN DIN 6038 impactor is used to test material resistance and response when subjected to low velocity impact. During impact test, specimens were observed with IR camera.