Damage characterization of carbon and glass fiber composite plates subjected to low-velocity impact using thermography

Composites are prone to delamination damage when impacted by low velocity projectiles because of the poor through-thickness strength. Therefore, some of the problems with composites are their poor impact damage resistance, weak post-impact mechanical properties, and the difficulty to inspect the impacted area by nondestructive means. Damage characterization of composite materials requires a scientific methodology, knowledge of polymeric materials, and direct field experience. In this work, low-velocity impact response of composite laminates was experimentally studied using drop-tower to determine the energy absorption. Three types of composites were used: carbon fiber, glass fiber, and mixed fiber composite laminates. In addition, these composites were characterized using thermography to quantify their post impact damage. It was found with the 3D temperature distribution that a strong correlation can be determined between the measured temperatures at the impact region with the quantification of the damage using thermal imaging with advanced mid-wave camera.