Fibre orientation effects on high strain rate of carbon/epoxy composites

Specific mechanical properties of composites make them particularly attractive. Dynamic loads are of prime interest for their applications. Laminated structures' impact modelling implies prior material dynamic characterisation, This study suggests an analysis of split Hopkinson bar compression testing on T300/914 carbon/epoxy composite material. First, the effect of fibre orientation and stratification on compression dynamic behaviour is studied. Results show a high non-linearity for +/-45 degrees laminates testing. This non-linearity is not observed when the laminates are reinforced with 0 degrees and 90 degrees plies. Analytical modelling is in agreement with the experimental results. Secondly, experiments are performed on pre-cracked specimens to show the influence of cracking on dynamic behaviour.