Low-velocity impact response and dynamic characteristics of glass-resin composites

This paper describes a test methodology used for characterizing different g lass-resin composite systems with respect to their low-velocity impact resp onse, dynamic modulus and inherent damping properties. Impact tests were co nducted on SMC plaque samples in an instrumented impact test machine. A Dyn amic Mechanical Analyzer was used for testing small rectangular samples in the fixed frequency mode of operation. An impulse-frequency response vibrat ion technique was used for obtaining the dynamic modulus and loss factor of cantilever beam specimens at ambient conditions. The dynamic modulus, glas s transition and damping peak intensities obtained from the DMA and the vib ration techniques are correlated with the impact test data. The potential a pplication for screening glass-resin formulations with respect to their imp act performance is discussed.