Residual Tensile Strength of Multi-Impacted Woven Glass Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Composites

Abstract

The effect of multiple low-velocity impacts on the tensile strength of E-glass/epoxy woven fabric composite laminates was studied. For this purpose, specimens with a lay-up sequence of [0,90]10 were considered, which were subjected to multiple impacts with an energy of 4 J. For a better understanding of the phenomenon, the impact tests were analysed in terms of maximum load and displacement, contact time and energy absorbed. Finally, the residual tensile strength of the specimens was evaluated after each series of impacts, and the results were compared with those obtained in the control specimens (without impacts). It was possible to conclude that the residual tensile strength is strongly affected after the 1st impact, while the damage introduced in the following impacts is not so expressive and, consequently, affects the residual strength less.