SIZE EFFECTS IN THIN CFRP PANELS SUBJECTED TO IMPACT

The static indentation and impact behaviour of three- and nine-ply CFR P panels circularly clamped with rings of 100 and 300 mm diameter have been evaluated. The maximum static force is similar for small and lar ge panels for both three- and nine-ply laminates. Increasing the panel size of the three-ply laminates subjected to impact only appears to a ffect the threshold of perforation. For the nine-ply laminates an incr ease in panel size produced a reduction in delamination area sind back face cracking. Interpretation of energy maps is suggested as a means o f identifying when the peak impact force has occurred and the threshol d of perforation. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.