Low velocity response of a complex geometry pultruded glass/polyester composite

This paper describes an investigation into the low velocity impact response on complex geometry sections taken from a pultruded glass/polyester produc t. The empirical impact behaviour of the system was evaluated using instrum ented falling weight impact testing (IFWI) in conjunction with ultrasonic C -Scan, optical microscopy and thermal deply techniques to detect delaminati on, matrix cracking, and fibre breakage. (C) 1999 Kluwer Academic Publisher s.