SEDL / STP / STP497-EB / STP27755S

Impact Behavior of Unidirectional Resin Matrix Composites Tested in the Fiber Direction

Novak, RC
Research scientist and chief, United Aircraft Research Laboratories, East Hartford, Conn.

DeCrescente, MA
Research scientist and chief, United Aircraft Research Laboratories, East Hartford, Conn.

Pages: 13    Published: Jan 1972

Download this paper for $25 PDF (304K)          View License Agreement
Abstract

Charpy impact strength data are presented for unidirectional graphite/, boron/, and glass/resin composites tested in the fiber direction. The impact strength of glass/resin is significantly higher than that of either the boron or the graphite composites. The mechanisms by which resin matrix composites absorb energy are studied, and it is found that the tensile stress-strain characteristics of the fibers are of primary importance in determining the level of composite impact resistance. The toughness of the resin matrix is shown to represent a small contribution to composite impact energy. Increasing the impact strength of boron and graphite composites by the inclusion of glass fibers is discussed.