Characterizing QSLVII Damage of Composite Sandwich Hulls

Damage on marine grade composite foam filled sandwich hull panels, fabricated according to BS EN ISO12215-5, using the traditional hand lay-up technique and cured under vacuum pressure is described. Damage test conditions are quasi static (QSI) and instrumented drop weight low-velocity (LVI) impact or quasi-static low velocity indentation impact QSLVII, Tests are conducted in accordance to ASTM D7766-11, ASTM D6264-98 (QSI) and D7136/D7136M-05 (LVI). Various indentor geometries are employed during the studies, each simulate different intended damage scenarios. Various law contact responses are proposed for the force and energy absorbed, based on indentation displacement and impact time. Limitations to the QSI and LVI standards are described and improvements suggested.