Notch and strain rate sensitivity of non-crimp fabric composites

The notch and strain rate sensitivity of non-crimp glass fibre/vinyl-ester laminates subjected to uniaxial tensile loads has been investigated experimentally. Two sets of notch configurations were tested: one where circular holes were drilled and another where fragment simulating projectiles were fired through the plate creating a notch. Experiments were conducted for strain rates ranging from 10(-4) s(-1) to 10(2) s(-1) using servo hydraulic machines. A significant increase in strength with increasing strain rate was observed for both notched and un-notched specimens. High speed photography revealed changes in failure mode, for certain laminate configurations, as the strain rate increased. The tested laminate configurations showed fairly small notch sensitivity for the whole range of strain rates. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.