Graphite/epoxy composites with adhesive strips have been subjected to static loading and dynamic low velocity impact loading to determine the adhesive crack arrest capability. A quasi-static analytical beam model was developed for the calculation of the critical strain energy release rate, Gc a measure of the resistance to crack growth, for plain specimens and specimens with adhesive at a 0/90 interface. Experimentally determined static critical load and crack growth data for clamped [905/05/905] graphite/epoxy composite beams loaded at the mid-span was used with the beam model to determine Gc. Results showed substantial increases in Gc for specimens with adhesive. Experimental results obtained from instrumented drop tests indicated good agreement between static and dynamic critical load and crack growth data, substantiating the validity of the quasi-static assumptions for the beam model for impact problems when contact times were large.
- Delamination growth,
- composite laminates,
- adhesive strips,
- static loading,
- impact loading,
- strain energy release rate
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/timothy_norman/46/