Abstract
Through-thickness compressive characteristics of laminated composites under impact loading are evaluated using the standard split Hopkinson bar. Compressive stress-strain curves for cross-ply CFRP, plain-weave GFRP and CFRP laminates at high rates of strain up to ε≒1700/s are presented and compared with those at low and medium rates of strain by an Instron testing machine. Comparative assessment of ultimate compressive strength, fracture strain and absorbed energy to fracture for the three different laminated composites are provided. The test results indicate that the compressive properties for cross-ply CFRP laminates decrease greatly with increasing strain rate, whereas those for plain-wave CFRP and GFRP laminates hardly depend on the strain rate.
