The effect of explosives on polymer matrix composite laminates

Small explosive charges were placed on the surface or stood off from carbon fibre and glass fibre laminates. Surface charges produced circular holes s urrounded by a delaminated area. The holes increased in size with increased explosive amount. For charges stood off the amount of damage was a functio n of impulse as well as peak pressure. Damage associated with the attachmen t of the laminate occurred at lower peak pressures (0.5 MPa) than previousl y reported. The extent of damage was less for adhesively bonded laminates t han for clamped laminates. Damage was in the form of fibre breakage as well as interply delamination. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserv ed.