Low-Velocity, Multi-Impact Durability Performance of Thick-Section 3WEAVE S2-Glass/SC-15 Composites Toughened with Thermoplastic Polyurethane Inter-Layer Films.

摘要

For the past decade, the U.S. Army has invested a considerable amount of effort into assessing the suitability of plain-weave S2-glass fabric/SC-15 epoxy composites to replace conventional, monolithic materials (e.g., metals) in Army structural and ballistic applications. One performance- limiting material response repeatedly encountered with this composite system is interlaminar delamination under both ballistic and low-velocity impact (LVI). Strategies for improving the delamination resistance of thick-section composites are currently being developed and include the use of thicker composite plies combined with compliant films in the inter-ply region. Specifically, the LVI performance of 3WEAVE S2-glass/SC-15 composites toughened with thermoplastic urethane film inter-layers of various thicknesses are being investigated. This report documents the significant improvements in delamination resistance and durability performance that have been realized by following this strategy.