Impact perforation of thin stiffened CFRP panels

Static indentation and dropweight impact tests have been performed on thin CFRP panels stiffened with three T-blade stiffeners and comparisons made wi th similar tests on plain panels. The impact perforation threshold energy m ay be estimated from the work done by the indentor during a static indentat ion test for both plain and stiffened panels. For impacts conducted in-line with the stiffener the perforation energy is significantly increased and t he maximum damage levels occur at higher energies than for other panel load ing conditions. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.