Assorbimento energetico durante impatto in laminati in materiale composito

As a preliminary step towards the development of a methodology for the design of the energy absorption capability of a laminate, the paper presents the results of an experimental investigation oriented to quantitatively correlate the characteristics of a composite laminate and the energy absorbed during an impact event before failure or penetration. The impact resistance of autoclave-moulded carbon/epoxy laminates was investigated through impact tests at different energy levels and the influence of the several design parameters (fiber architecture, matrix toughening via nanomodification, lay up and laminate thickness) was evaluated. Damage mechanisms and extension were analysed by enhanced X�rays, ultrasonic ply-by-ply C-scan and optical microscopy. The results obtained are discussed in terms of absorbed energy, peak force and delaminated areas.