High velocity steel spheres impact and damage analysis of graphene doped T700 composite shielding panels

Composite materials are increasingly being used in aircraft components such as fuselage panels which are subject to collision with debris during take-off/landing or in flight. This article provides an analysis of the impact resistance capability of graphene doped T700 (T700G) multilayer composite, when subjected to steel projectile impacts. Test coupons with 300x300 mm were impacted by steel spherical projectiles, with impact energies ranging from 34 J to 338 J, using a compressed air operated cannon. Test data, such as impact and absorbed energy were determined through impact and residual projectile velocity, acquired using ballistic chronograph and two high speed cameras. Damage assessment was performed using non-destructive techniques such as Ultrasonic testing before and after impact test. Through modelling and simulation, using ABAQUS/Explicit, and recording the change of projectile velocity, the energy loss of projectile is calculated, and the impact resistance is judged together with damage extent. T700G has similar impact resistance to AL2024, underperforming when impacted by larger projectiles and presenting an overall higher damaged area.