Low Velocity Impact of Composite Materials Glass Fiber Laminates

Abstract

Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) laminates are crucial in various sectors like aerospace, navigation, automotive, wind power infrastructures because their high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. Their susceptibility to impact damage could cause severe structural failures such as delamination, fiber rupture, and matrix fractures which are big risk for public safety. This research focuses structural behavior and failure mechanisms of GFRP laminates under low-velocity impacts to improve industry safety, reliability and performance. Impact experiments were carried out using a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) on panels configured in various fiber orientations, specifically [(0/90)s, (+45/-45)s, and (0/90/+45/-45)s]. Force-time history and impactor velocity, were captured and analyzed to assess the material's resilience and mechanical properties are main key experiments aspects. The purpose of the study to experimental and numerical approach to explore how GFRP laminates react to low-velocity impacts using a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB). Panels in various fiber orientations were tested with impact energies ranging from 1 J to 10 J by using advanced modeling techniques such as progressive damage mechanics, cohesive zone models, and virtual crack closure were implemented in the ABAQUS/Explicit framework to assess internal damages.