The role of temperature on impact properties of Kevlar/fiberglass composite laminates

This paper demonstrates results of an experimental study on Kevlar/fiberglass composite laminates subjected to impact loading at variable temperatures. The effect of temperature on maximum energy, elastic energy, maximum deflection, maximum impact force, ductility, and compression after impact was studied at several low velocity impact energy levels (8, 15 and 25 J). The temperatures considered were in the range of −50 to 120 °C. Results indicated that impact performance of these composites was affected over the range of temperature considered. Testing at ambient temperature is not fully sufficient and therefore additional testing must be performed for full understanding of composite laminate properties.