SEDL / STP / STP972-EB / STP26130S

Effect of Adhesive Layers on Impact Damage in Composite Laminates

Sun, CT
Professor, School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

Rechak, S
Professor, School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

Pages: 27    Published: Jan 1988

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Abstract

Adhesive layers were included along the interfaces of a baseline graphite/epoxy [0⁵/90⁵/0⁵] laminate for impact study. Impacted specimens were sectioned longitudinally and transversely for observation of the damage modes. The existence of adhesive layers resulted in the following effects: delamination was effectively suppressed up to very high impact velocities; matrix cracking in the upper lamina was greatly reduced; and the contact area appreciably increased thereby reducing the stress concentration effect. An apparent disadvantage in using adhesive layers was found; that is, the bending crack in the bottom lamina which could branch out into delamination cracks when adhesive layers were absent tended to penetrate the middle lamina and break fibers.