Title: Damage characteristics of fabric reinforced hybrid composite laminates subjected to low energy impacts

Authors: K. Mohamed Kaleemulla, B. Siddeswarappa

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University B.D.T. College of Engineering, Davangere 577004, Karnataka, India. ' Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, University B.D.T. College of Engineering, Davangere 577004, Karnataka, India

Abstract: The structural design of composites involving fabric reinforcements need comprehensive characterisation of properties under different loading conditions, in both undamaged and damaged state. Composites have shown excellent properties in static strength, fatigue and corrosion resistance, etc., it is relatively weak against impact, the damage resulting from which could undermine the performance subsequent to impact to a great extent. Current study addresses the influence of the fibre content in laminates subjected to low energy impacts. Drop weight tests are conducted to initiate damage from different heights. The impact events necessary to initiate damage was recorded, and the fracture characteristics of each composite were analysed. Glass fabric and textile satin fabric are the reinforcements with different volume fractions and epoxy being the matrix. The damage incurred on the laminates is examined in terms of indentation depth, crater size, and cracking condition.

Keywords: low energy impact; woven composites; damage detection; fibre content; glass fabric; multiple impacts; fabric reinforced composites; hybrid composites; composite laminates; satin fabric; textiles; laminate damage; indentation depth; crater size; cracking condition.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2009.024660

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2009 Vol.34 No.3, pp.303 - 311

Published online: 14 Apr 2009 *

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