Composite Laminates under Dynamic Extreme Conditions

Glass fibre laminates were subjected to experimental low velocity impact tests at three different temperatures, room, T = -25 °C, T = -50 °C, and the results were compared to investigate the impact behaviour in extreme conditions of composites applied in naval field. The experiments were carried out, first, at complete penetration of the specimens and then, at different energy values to investigate on the damage initiation and propagation. The indentation depths and the delaminated areas were measured and analyzed to validate existing semiempirical models for the prediction of the response of these materials in dynamic shock conditions, at the aim to help the navigation in the Artic Ocean in safety conditions.