Characterization on Impact Damage Resistance of CFRP Laminates under Falling Weight Impact Test

Abstract

The subperforation flatwise impact damage resistance on some types of carbon fiber/resin laminated composite systems under falling weight impact test was evaluated. Two graphite/epoxy systems (T300/#2500 and T800H/#3900-2) and two graphite/PEEK systems (APC-2/AS4 and APC-2+PEEK film interleaves) were tested. The stacking sequence of each system was (0/30)_s, (0/60)_s and (0/90)_s. Specimens were impacted by an instrumented falling weight impactor. The damage area was measured with ultrasonic C-Scan. In all specimens, the relationship between damaged area (DA) and impact energy (IE) was linear. Therefore, the impact damage resistance capability of composite systems could be compared using the damaged area to impact energy ratio (DA/IE). Among the tested resin systems, the relative ranking of the DA/IE was T300/#2500>APC-2/AS4>T800H/#3900-2>APC-2+PEEK film. Lower difference in the fiber angle of laminates presented lower DA/IE.