Temperature Effect on Ballistic Impact of Hybrid Woven Composites

This paper investigates the effect of temperature on the ballistic limit of hybrid woven composite panels (6inx4inx0.25in) at three different temperatures: R.T, 75 degrees C and 125 C. Studies were also done on the stacking sequence and its effect on the ballistic limit at the above stated temperature. The studies were conducted by combining experimental and 3-D dynamic finite element approaches. The specimens tested were made of plain-weave hybrid S2 glass-IM7graphite fibers/toughened epoxy. The composite panels were impacted using an in-house gas gun. The time-histories of impact-induced dynamic strains was recorded. The damaged specimens were inspected visually and using the ultrasonic C-scan method. A 3-D dynamic finite element (FE) software, with Chang-Chang composite damage model, was then used to simulate the experimental results of the ballistic impact tests. Good agreement between experimental and FE results has been achieved.