Journal Published Online: 19 June 2018
Volume 47, Issue 1

Low-Velocity Impact Characterization of Fiber-Reinforced Composites with Hygrothermal Effect

CODEN: JTEVAB

Abstract

In this article, low-velocity impact characteristics of UHN125C carbon fiber/epoxy composite, including unidirectional (0°), cross-directional (0°/90°), and quasi-isotropic layups, were experimentally measured. The effect of the fiber orientation angle and stacking sequences on impact force and induced strain were measured via an instrumented drop-weight apparatus with special concern for the moisture absorption effect. Dried specimens were immersed in distilled water for a certain period of time to absorb water for intermediate and saturated moisture content. It was observed that the impulse was reduced with the increase in moisture content; on the other hand, strain increased with moisture, as measured by DBU-120A strain-indicating software (MADSER Corp., El Paso, TX). Impact damage is widely recognized as one of the most detrimental damage forms in composite laminates because it dissipates the incident energy by a combination of matrix damage, fiber fracture, and fiber-matrix debonding. Therefore, it is extremely important to know the impact strength of a structure, especially for applications in industries such as aerospace, ship design, and some other commercial applications. The use of composite materials in engineering applications is increasing rapidly because they have higher strength-to-weight ratios than metals. The strength, stiffness, and, eventually, the life of composite materials are affected more than conventional materials by the presence of moisture and temperature. Thus, it is necessary to analyze the response of composites in a hydrothermal environment.

Author Information

Zai, Behzad Ahmed
Mechanical Engineering Department, Pakistan Navy Engineering College, National University of Science and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan
Khan, M. A.
School of Aerospace, Cranfield University, Cranfield, United Kingdom
Park, M. K.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Myongji University, Yongin, South Korea
Shahzad, Majid
Advanced Material Research Division, Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, Karachi, Pakistan
Shahzad, M. A.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Myongji University, Yongin, South Korea
Nisar, Salman
Industrial and Manufacturing Department, Pakistan Navy Engineering College, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
Khan, S. Z.
Mechanical Engineering Department, Islamic University of Madinah, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Khan, Kamran
Aerospace Engineering Department, Khalifa University of Science Technology and Research, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Shah, Aqueel
Mechanical Engineering Department, Pakistan Navy Engineering College, National University of Science and Technology, Gulistan-e-Jauha, Karachi
Pages: 11
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JTE20170620
ISSN: 0090-3973
DOI: 10.1520/JTE20170620