Low-velocity impact response and inspection of damage propagation for basalt fiber reinforced filament wound pipes

In many industrial applications, filament-wound composite pipes are utilized to transmit the liquefied natural gas, chemical liquids, and waste hazardous liquids. This reveals the importance of the energy absorption capacity because the pipes in question are placed underground and occasionally exposed to impact loads. However, the high cost of carbon fibers and partially inadequate mechanical features of glass fibers have led to the search for alternative fibers. Some studies show that basalt fiber is likely to be an alternative and practical solution. In this study, it is purposed to define the low velocity impact (LVI) behaviors and damage development of basalt fiber reinforced (BFR)/Epoxy composite pipes with various winding angles. LVI tests were performed on the [+/- 90 degrees](6), [+/- 75 degrees](6), and [+/- 55 degrees/75 degrees](6) BFR pipes at energy levels of 15, 20, and 25 J. The impact responses of the composite samples were compared with respect to values of force, time, displacement and absorbed energy. In order to determine the dominant damage types and their progression, microscopic examinations were carried out by taking sections in the impact area in the radial and axial directions. It has been revealed in this study that it is significant to examine the dominant damage of filament-winding composites, especially by taking cross-sections from two axes. It was determined that there are damage changes in the layers where compressive and tensile stresses occur in the impact region. It has been observed that the winding angle has a great importance on the LVI responses and damages.