Impact damage in small diameter graphite/epoxy composite struts

On the Use of Quasi-Static Testing to Assess Impact Damage Resistance of Composite Shell Structures

“…Peak force is known a priori for each test from the impact tests at 3 rnls; and peak deflection is estimated using Eq. (2) to obtain an approximate stroke range for each test. The stroke rate is set so that loading and unloading each last 3 min, giving a total test time of 6 min for each specimen.…”