ISSN: 0884-6804
CODEN: JCTRER
Page Count: 9

Compressive Strength of Composite Sandwich Panels After Impact Damage: An Experimental and Analytical Study
Kassapoglou, C
Stress analyst, Sikorsky Aircraft Company, CT

Jonas, PJ
Group engineer and principal staff engineer, Beech Aircraft Co Corporation, KS

Abbott, R
Group engineer and principal staff engineer, Beech Aircraft Co Corporation, KS

Abstract

The effect of low speed impact on the compressive strength of graphite/epoxy sandwich panels was examined experimentally and analytically. Various impactor sizes and impact energy levels were used. Impact damage was found to decrease the compressive strength of panels in this investigation by up to 33%. The use of film adhesive as an interply layer was found to reduce the extent of damage and increase the residual compressive strength. A one-parameter model to predict compressive failure of impact damaged panels is presented. The theoretical predictions are in good agreement with experimental results. Some of the factors affecting the panel behavior are also discussed.

Keywords:
impact, impact damage, delamination growth, residual strength, threshold of detectability, buckling, sandwich panels, composite materials

Paper ID: CTR10131J
DOI: 10.1520/CTR10131J
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