Thin-walled Structures | 2019
Investigation into high velocity impact response of pre-loaded hybrid nanocomposite structure
Abstract
Abstract Pre-loaded polymer composite structures subjected to high velocity impact have received little attention compared to the corresponding structure under static impact test. In fact, no report was found on such structures, which incorporate nanoparticles as a secondary reinforcement. The main objective of this research work is to assess the high-velocity impact response of polymer composite plates containing nanoclay under different pre-loads. E-glass woven roving and unsaturated polyester resin were used to prepare composite plates and 1.5\u202fwt% nanoclay was introduced into the resin system. High velocity impact with full perforation as well as impact tests with rebound were conducted via a gas gun in a velocity range of 138–185\u202fm/s. Three types of pre-loading were applied and compared with no pre-load condition, namely: uniaxial compression, uniaxial tension, and biaxial compression/tension hybrid pre-load. The results indicated significant better energy absorption performance by the nanoclay modified specimens under all pre-load conditions compared to the specimens without nanoclay. Results further showed that biaxial compression/tension and uniaxial compression pre-loads are more critical than tension pre-loads. Nanoclay reinforced composite plate showed greater damage extension compared to composite plates without nano reinforcement. Major failure modes identified include delamination, matrix cracking, and fiber breakage.