Method for Evaluating the High Strain-Rate Compressive Properties of Thick Composite Laminates

Abstract

A test apparatus and methodology developed to obtain high strain-rate compressive mechanical properties of various fiber-reinforced composite materials is described. This direct compression method utilized a drop tower to impart a load at dynamic rates to the test fixture. Uniform specimen loading was accomplished through the use of aligned guide rails to constrain all but the vertical motion of a free-sliding impactor. Specimen endcaps, specific to thick- section testing, were implemented to prevent premature brooming failure. A piezoelectric transducer and aluminum absorbers were some of the refinements introduced to alloy acquisition of stress and strain data free of distortion. Strain rates on the order of 8 sec -I have been achieved, and higher rates appear possible. Keywords: Composites, Carbon/peek, Thick section laminates, Strain rate, Compression, Reinforced plastics.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1990
Accession Number
ADA226871

Entities

People

  • Carmen Williams
  • D. M. Montiel

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Composite Materials
  • Compressive Properties
  • Dynamic Tests
  • Failure Mode And Effect Analysis
  • Fiber Reinforced Composites
  • Laminates
  • Load Cells
  • Materials
  • Materials Engineering
  • Materials Science
  • Materials Testing
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Modulus Of Elasticity
  • Reinforced Plastics
  • Static Tests
  • Strain Gages
  • Test Methods

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering/Mechanics of Materials.
  • Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Structures.