Cumulative Damage Analysis of GFRP Laminates with Different Impact Scenarios

Abstract:

Glass Fiber Reinforced Composites (GFRPs) are widely used in various industries due to their exceptional mechanical properties. To ensure their structural integrity, it is crucial to understand the behavior of GFRPs under impact loading. This study investigates the influence of impact energy distribution on damage accumulation in GFRPs laminates under low velocity impact loading. Experimental tests were conducted with different impact scenarios, including single impacts of 20 J, cumulative damage from two impacts of 10 J each, and mixed impacts of 8 J and 12 J. Through careful analysis of the experimental data, including load-time, load-displacement, and energy-time curves, the deformation and damage evolution were examined. The results revealed that the distribution of impact energy had a significant impact on damage accumulation in GFRPs. The single impact of 20 J caused substantial damage, highlighting the severity of high-energy impacts. However, cases involving cumulative damage from two impacts displayed varying damage patterns and levels. The distribution of energy between the impacts influenced the damage evolution and propagation, resulting in differences in the delaminated area and fracture process zone within the plates.

• Periodical: Materials Science Forum (Volume 1149)
• Pages: 81-88
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-CJ3Xtp
• Online since: May 2025
• Authors: Nagarathnam Rajesh Mathivanan*, Babu L. Sunith, Bangarpet Shankar Sridhar
• Keywords: Cumulative Damage, Delamination, Impact Energy Distribution, Repeated Impact, Vacuum Bagging

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