Experimental analysis of ice sphere impacts on unidirectional carbon/epoxy laminates

Abstract

This work analyses the behaviour of carbon/epoxy unidirectional laminates subjected to high velocity impacts of ice spheres. To this end, ice projec- tiles were launched against composite laminates in a wide range of velocities (50 -250 m/s). Two different ice diameters (40 and 50 mm) and two laminate thicknesses (4 and 6 mm) were considered. The internal damage was measured using both destructive and non-destructive techniques, which allow an accurate quanti cation of the delaminated area. Finally the in uence of the different parameters considered on the damage of the laminate is analysed by means of a dimensionless variable.