Energy absorption characteristics of glass/epoxy nano composite laminates by impact loading

Laminated composites with nano fillers are subjected to medium velocity impact. The laminates are prepared by hand lay-up technique followed by compression moulding, for different thicknesses. Laminates are made of glass woven roving mates of 610 gsm, epoxy resin and nano clay. Clay dispersion is varied from 1% to 5% by weight. A piston type gas gun set up is employed to impact the composite laminates. Spherical nose cylindrical projectile, of diameter 9.5 mm and mass 7.6 g, is used for the study. The impact tests are conducted to predict the ballistic limits of the laminates with and without clay. Quasi-static deflection tests and dynamic tests are carried out to find the energy absorbed by the laminates. Dispersion of clay in polymer matrix shows considerable improvement in energy absorption and ballistic limit of the composite laminates.