The effect of stacking sequence on the impact-induced damage in cross-ply E-glass/epoxy composite plates

• Published in: Archive of applied mechanics (1991) Vol. 79; no. 11; pp. 1019 - 1031
• Main Authors: Mili, F., Necib, B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.11.2009
• Subjects: Classical Mechanics; Damage; E glass; Engineering; Glass fiber reinforced plastics; Laminates; Original; Parametric analysis; Plates; Projectiles; Stacking; Theoretical and Applied Mechanics; Impact; Low-velocity; Drop-weight; Composite; Damage
• ISSN: 0939-1533; 1432-0681
• DOI: 10.1007/s00419-008-0272-z

The aim of this study is to determine the damage mechanisms of unidirectional E-glass/epoxy laminated composites under localized impacts. The projectile velocities at low ranges (0.54–3.10 m/s) have been considered to establish a parametric analysis of clamped laminated composite responses. The used circular plates are symmetrical laminates which are composed of ten plies and have three different cross-ply stacking sequences: [0 2 /90 6 /0 2 ], [0 3 /90 4 /0 3 ] and [0 4 /90 2 /0 4 ]. They are subjected at their centers to an impact of an aluminum projectile which is applied in the transverse direction by using a drop weight machine. The time histories of the impactor acceleration, the projectile displacement and the plate deflection were measured. The analysis of the nature of the damage mechanisms and its relation to the structural responses has been performed. The identification of the matrix cracks and the delamination at the interfaces has allowed to determine the initiation and extension criteria of the damage.