Experimental and analytical study of the behavior of in-plane preloaded CFRP plates subjected to high-velocity impact

Abstract

This study analyzes the behavior of CFRP tape laminates under high-velocity impact when they are subjected to in-plane tensile preload. Experimental tests were carried out using a gas-gun setup in non-loaded and preloaded laminates. Impact and residual velocities were measured, the ballistic limit and damage area were estimated, and it was observed that the ballistic limit was lower in preloaded specimens. An analytical model was developed and validated. Some differences were observed in terms of energy absorption mechanism distribution between preloaded and non-loaded laminates for impact velocities close to the ballistic limit. The influence on the ballistic limit with the preload level was studied.

Keywords:

• CFRP
• ballistic impact
• tape laminate
• membrane load
• biaxial

Acknowledgments

The authors are indebted to the University Carlos III of Madrid projects: “Acción estratégica: Modelos de daño de composites” (2010/00309/003) and “Acción Estratégica en Estudio del comportamiento de materiales compuestos frente a cargas dinámicas” (2022/00177/001) for financial support for this work.