Hypervelocity impact damage to composites

This paper presents the results of hypervelocity impact tests conducted on graphite/PEEK laminates. Both flat plate and circular cylinders were tested using aluminum spheres of varying size, travelling at velocities from 2-7 km/s. The experiments were conducted at several facilities using light gas guns. Normal and oblique angle impacts were investigated to determine the e ffect of impact angle, particle energy and laminate configuration on the ma terial damage and ejecta plumes. Correlations were established between an e nergy parameter and the impact crater size, spallation damage and debris co ne angle. Secondary damage resulting from the debris plume on adjacent comp osite structures was studied using high-speed photography and witness plate s. It was observed that for hypervelocity impacts, the debris plume particl es have sufficient energy to penetrate adjacent structures and cause major structural damage as well. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserv ed.