Low Speed, Hard Object Impact on Thick Graphite/Epoxy Plates

摘要

Results of a preliminary test program conducted to assess the effect of low speed, hard object impact (such as dropped hand tools) on thick graphite/epoxy laminates representative of primary aircraft structure are presented. Static compression and compression fatigue tests were conducted on 42 and 48 ply AS/3501-6 graphite/epoxy plates which had been impact damaged by dropped weights. Results show thick laminates are susceptible to damage under impact threats. Laminate fatigue strength can be significantly degraded by impact damage which is not visible. However, subvisual impact damage had no significant effect on fatigue life as long as the maximum compression strains were held below .0025. (Author)