Low temperature effect on impact response of quasi-isotropic glass/epoxy laminated plates

In this study, the impact behavior of laminated glass-epoxy composites at several temperatures (20 degrees C, -20 degrees C and -60 degrees C) was studied experimentally. Impact tests were performed by using Fractovis Plus impact test machine with a constant impactor mass of 5.02 kg. Composite specimens with stacking sequence [0/90/45/-45](S) were impacted at varied impact energies ranging from 5J to 70J. Variation of the impact characteristics such as maximum contact load, maximum deflection, maximum contact time and absorbed energy versus impact energy are depicted in figures. Results indicated that the ambient temperature highly affects the impact response of composite materials. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.