CHARACTERIZATION OF IMPACT DAMAGE IN SKIN-STRINGER COMPOSITE STRUCTURES

In studies aimed at understanding the impact performance of structures made from carbon-fibre composites, effects of structural geometry, ma terial type and impact location have been investigated in skin-stringe r panels representative of aircraft structure. Effects were investigat ed for low-velocity impacts to the skin in the bay between stringers, over a stringer foot, and over a stringer centreline. Detailed studies of the impact damage at these locations were investigated using ultra sonic techniques, and optical and electron microscopy. The damage char acteristics were explained in terms of the proportion of energy absorb ed through damage, such as delamination, and elastic effects, such as structural response of the panel. Crown Copyright (C) 1997 Published b y Elsevier Science Ltd.