Comparative experimental analysis of the effect caused by artificial and real induced damage in composite laminates

This paper presents the results of an extensive experimental campaign aimed to examine the effect upon the vibration response and on the residual load-bearing capacity caused by both: isolated artificially induced interlaminar damage and low-velocity impact induced damage in composite laminates. The experimental programme included modal testing, drop-weight impact testing, ultrasonic inspection, transverse quasi-static loading testing and compression testing conducted on a set of 72 carbon fibre-reinforced composite laminated coupons. Both types of damage caused measurable changes in laminate performance, however marked divergent trends were observed. The results allowed for conclusions to be drawn regarding the adequacy of the artificial damage approach and highlighted the importance and role of other forms of degradation upon damage tolerance of laminated composites containing damage.