Impact Damage of CFRP Reinforced with a Carbon Fiber Cloth

Abstract

CFRPs, reinforced with fibers having different modules/strain-to-breaks but a similar strength, were impacted by a 4 mm diameter steel sphere at a velocity of 900 m/s to 1, 800 m/s. Spall area and kinetic energy absorption of the sphere by CFRPs were investigated. In this velocity range, energy absorption ratio was independent with impact velocity in both CFRPs. A fiber cloth and a CFRP with low modules, i.e., high strain-to-breaks showed a high-energy absorption. Spall area increased with increasing specimen thickness. Tensile-stress applied areas simulated by a computer code also increased; The tendency of the experiments and simulation was quite similar. Most kinetic energy of spheres was absorbed at early stage of the impact.