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The energy absorption response and crushing charaeterlatlcs of geometrically scaled graphite-Kevlar epoxy composite plates were investigated. 'No diiferent trigger mechanisms lncludlng notch, and steeple geometries were incorporated into the plate specimens to initiate crushing. Sustained crushing was achieved with a new test flrturewhich provided lateral aupport to prevent global buckling. Values of specific sustained crushing stress (SSCS) were obtained which were lower than values reported for tube specimens from previously published data. Two sizes of hybrid plates were fabricated; a basellne or model plate, and a full-scale plate with inplane dimensions scaled by a factor oftwo. The thickness dimension of the full-scale plates was lncresaed using hva different techniques: the ply-level method in whlch each ply orientation in the baseline laminate stacking wnuenre 11 dnuhled. sad the sublaminate technluue in which the baseline laminate stacking sequence is re-pested as s group. Renulls Indicated lhat the SSCS has s smsll dependence on trigger mechanism Ceometry. However, a reduction in IheSSCSof 10.25% Haqobscned for ssromparcd withlhe baseline specimens, indirstin$ a scalln~ effect in the cruqhing response.

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