Material Consolidation Processing Effects on the Impact Behavior of GFRP Composites

摘要

The low velocity and low energy impact response of two SMC material systems - SMC-R27, and SMC-R37 - were tested. In addition to characterizing the impact response of the material systems, consolidation problems were highlighted and the edge effects of diamond saw cutting during the post-processing operations were investigated. The SMC materials consisted of 25.4 mm long glass fibers with polyester resin base and calcium carbonate filler material. Both material systems were consolidated with discontinuous randomly oriented fiber distribution to give a quasi-isotropic, elastic behavior within the fiber distribution plane. Impact event force-time and displacement-time plots, virgin burn-out specimen images through material decomposition techniques, along with pre and post-impact micrograph images give additional insight into the failure mechanisms associated with these material systems and their response to low velocity impact loading.