Compression After Multiple Impacts: Modelling and Experimental Validation on Composite Coupon Specimens

This research investigates the post-impact behaviour of CFRP coupon specimens subjected to multisite impacts. Sequential low-velocity impacts at different locations were performed on coupons with different thicknesses. The impact load history was recorded, and the extent of damage was assessed by ultrasonic inspection. The residual strength in compression was then measured in a compression after impact rig which was specially modified for the testing of thin composites. High-speed video and digital image correlation records were taken for a number of specimens during testing. The experimental results were used to validate a finite element mesomechanical modelling approach which accounts for both intralaminar damage and interlaminar damage.