Low-velocity impact damage in glass fibre/epoxy cylindrical tubes

✍ Scribed by A.B Doyum; B Altay

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1997
• Weight: 109 KB
• Volume: 18
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0261-3069
• DOI: 10.1016/s0261-3069(97)00030-7

✦ Synopsis

Types and characteristics of defects produced by low-velocity transverse impact loading on "45Њ , 2 ) ( ) 90Њ S-glass and "54Њ , 90Њ E-glass fibre reinforced epoxy composites were investigated in this 3 study. For both materials, the specimens were in the form of thin-walled cylindrical tubes. A test set-up capable of producing low-velocity transverse impact at energy levels between 3.5 J and 8.5 J was designed and manufactured. Fifteen specimens were tested from each type of composite material. Point-like defects which are the initiation of cracks in the matrix, regular and irregular cracks, and delamination zones caused by impact, were observed. Visual inspection and post-emulsified fluorescent penetrant systems were utilized for damage detection. Type and extent of the damage produced is presented in terms of impact energy.