Damage in CFRPs due to low velocity impact at low temperature

10 pages, 21 figures.This work examines the response of carbon fibre-reinforced epoxy matrix (CFRP) laminates at low impact velocity and in low temperature conditions. Square specimens of carbon fibre/epoxy laminates with different stacking sequences (unidirectional, cross-ply, quasi-isotropic and woven laminates) were tested using a Drop Weight Tower device. The test temperature ranged from 20 down to −150 °C. After the impact tests, the damage extension was measured by C-Scan ultrasonic inspection and the damage mechanisms were studied by optical and scanning electron microscopy. Results showed the influence of temperature, of ply reinforcement architecture and of stacking sequence on the mechanical behaviour of the CFRP laminates subjected to low velocity impulsive loads.The authors are indebted to the Spanish Comisión Interministerial de Ciencia y Tecnología (Project MAT 98/0273) for the financial support of this work, and to the Department of Engineering Science of the University of Oxford for their assistance in the C Scan inspection tests.Publicad