• Composites Research
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.9-17
• /
• 2003

We have implemented a system of falling weight impact tester in order to evaluate the impact energy absorbing characteristics and impact strength of CFRP laminate plates. The absorbed energy of T-300 orthotropic composites is higher than that of quasi-isotropic specimen over impact energy 7J, but in case of using T700 fiber, much difference does not show. Also, absorbed energy of T-300 orthotropic composites, which are composed of the same stacking number and orientation became more than that of T700 fiber specimen however there was no big difference in case of quasi-isotropic specimens. Delamination area of impacted specimens was measured with ultrasonic C-scanner to find correlation between impact energy and delamination area. Delamination area and frequency responses were evaluated between impacted and unimpacted specimens. There is a strong correlation between frequency responses and impact-induced delamination. The presence and scale of damages have been investigated based on the variations of frequency responses.