Performance of CFRP laminates subjected to impact loading

Abstract

In the present time, the contribution of CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) is imperative in various sectors. During service, it experiences different types of loading. Among various loading conditions, the issue of impact loading emerges as a significant concern, as it result in catastrophic failures and precarious situations. A comprehensive understanding of the perforation characteristics of fiber reinforced laminates is crucial to predict their response against impact and also for the design of protective civil and military structures. As a part of this thesis, we have studied the impact performance and the perforation characteristics of the CFRP laminates. It was achieved numerically as well as experimentally. Different possible configurations were formulated out of quasi-isotropic (QI) CFRP sequence, oriented at 0°, 90°, 45° and -45° directions. These laminates were subjected to impact. The projectiles were fired using pneumatic gun setup on the CFRP laminates.