REMAINING STRENGTH IN GLASS/POLYESTER LAMINATED COMPOSITES SUBJECTED TO BALLISTIC IMPACT

Fibre-reinforced plastics (FRP) are susceptible to damage resulting from impacts, even non-penetrating ones. This damage, even without outright destruction, may lead to reduction of fibre-reinforced plastics strength and static load-bearing abilities. This paper presents the results of three-point flexural tests on glass fibre/polyester composites after non-penetrating ballistic impact, where the word "ballistic" refers to a high-speed free-flying impactor (projectile). This is a continuation of previous studies, during which the extent of damage in glass/polyester composites after non-penetrating ballistic impact was evaluated. Materials used in the study were laminated composites produced via the Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) technology. This laminates were produced using Polimal 1094 AWTP-1 unsaturated polyester resin and E-glass reinforcement in the form of multiple perpendicular layers of chopped-strand mats, continuous-filament mats, twisted-yarn fabrics and woven rovings. Composites with varying thickness, number of layers and fibre content were produced. The impactor is a free-flying 3 g steel ball propelled from a gas gun. Two striking velocities were tested-60 and 70 m/s, producing impact energies of 5.4 and 7.35 J accordingly. After the impact, the extent of damage in samples (100x100 mm square plates) was evaluated through digital image analysis. The as-impacted samples were then subjected to three-point bending under set conditions. The results were compared to the results of identical examination of undamaged samples and the reduction in mechanical properties was determined. In all cases, the reduction in strength and load-at-break value was noticed. Thicker, more reinforced laminates show lower loss of mechanical properties, than thinner ones. Difference between strength and load-at-break approach for load-bearing abilities reduction was discussed, and the conclusion is that the latter is preferred to the former in laminated composites due to high thickness dependence of strength. Comparing reinforcement types, continuous-filament mat is superior to chopped-strand mat and woven-rovings. Tightly woven twisted-yarn fabric compares favourably to the woven rovings.