Experimental characterization of transverse impact behaviors of four-step 3-D rectangular braided composites.

This paper reports experimental results of the transverse impact behaviors of four-step three-dimension carbon/epoxy rectangular braided composite. We employed Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar apparatus to test the transverse impact behaviors. The impact load-displacement curves and impact damages of the braided composite were recorded to analyze the energy absorptions and the impact damage mechanisms. The quasi-static indentation tests and drop-weight impact tests were also performed to compare with those in transverse impact tests. It was found that the failure area and energy absorption is increased as the increase of impact velocity and the failure area is in a saw tooth shape owing to the breakage of the braided fiber tows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]