Impact and compression-after-impact performance of weft-knitted glass textile composites

This research dealt with the impact resistance and tolerance of composite materials manufactured from weft-knitted E-glass fabrics. Three different styles of the weft-knit structures, Milano, 1 x 1 rib and plain knit, were investigated together with two further variations of Milano and rib structure and one variation of plain knit. The effect of weft-knitted fabric style and knit- structural parameters upon the impact and compression-after-impact proper-ties of the weft-knitted composites was examined. Damage morphology and failure mechanisms of the impacted materials were characterised. It has been found that both changes to the knit style and structural parameters affected the damage resistance and tolerance of composites. A knit structure having a higher value of total loop density has effectively incorporated better knitted-mesh generation within the structure, thereby enhancing the structural integrity of composites and offered better impact damage resistance and tolerance. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.