Effect of fibre orientation on mechanical properties of the laminated polymer composites subjected to out-of-plane high strain rate compressive loadings

This study examines the mechanical characteristics of composite structures evolving with the strain rates. The purpose of this work is the use of split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) for the dynamic characterization of the fibre orientation and strain rate effects in particular on the mechanical behaviour, the damage and the strength of a glass/epoxy composite, very much used in the naval domain. It is also a question of understanding the microscopic mechanisms leading to the damage and the failure of material and of quantifying their evolution with the strain rate. The materials examined in the study were all manufactured using the infusion process. E-glass fibres were impregnated with a low viscosity epoxy resin. Samples, of cubic geometry, are tested in the thickness direction for seven fibre orientations, 0°, ±20°, ±30°, ±45°, ±60°, ±70° and 90°. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.