Characteristics of impact damage and post-impact strength in glass-fibre-reinforced plastics with different reinforcement architecture

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) are nowadays used commonly for constructions subjected to impacts of different energies and velocities; therefore, the problem of impact resistance is crucial. This paper presents the results of high-velocity impact tests and post-impact evaluation of damage in glass-fiber-reinforced plastics, depending on the architecture of reinforcing material (different woven fabrics, mat). Composites reinforced with continuous-filament mat, woven roving, roving fabric and twisted-yarn fabric were prepared and subjected to intermediate- and high-velocity impact. After the ballistic impact, damage extent and residual strength, as well as water leakage through the composites, were evaluated. The damage was also investigated under a microscope. The damage extent was confirmed to be linearly dependent on impact energy. The addition of rubber was found to decrease damage extent and increase post-impact residual strength, as well as decrease water leakage rate.