High-velocity impact characteristic of carbon fiber reinforced plastic laminates using ballistic range

Recently, high-performance hybrid composites have been used for various applications which require the high strength, high stiffness and low weight. There are growing needs in an automotive, an aircraft, and military applications for composite materials since they have good structural characteristics. They also have good penetration resistance and structural integrity after impact. In order to clarify the mechanism of high-speed destruction for composite materials, this study examined the penetration resistance and the fracture behavior of CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) Laminates by using ballistic range (one-stage light gas gun). Test materials for investigation are carbon/epoxy laminated composite materials with fiber direction; [0 degrees](8), [0 degrees/45 degrees](4s), [0 degrees/90 degrees](4s), [0 degrees/45 degrees/90 degrees](3s) and [0 degrees/45 degrees/-45 degrees 90 degrees](2s). The high speed camera allows us to capture and analyze the dynamic penetration phenomena of the test materials.