Static and Impact Behavior of Graphite/Epoxy Composite Laminates Containing Third-Phase Reinforcement Materials
Abstract
A series of graphite/epoxy composite laminates containing four different types of third-phase reinforcement materials were fabricated, incorporating an anisotropic ply lay-up pattern. Both thick and thin laminates were used. Static tensile, flexure, and short beam shear specimens and Charpy impact specimens were tested, the latter with an instrumented impact tester. The fracture surfaces of the static flexure and the Charpy impact specimens were then examined in detail with a scanning electron microscope. Observed similarities and differences between the static flexure and impact fracture characteristics of a given composite were noted and referred to the corresponding energies absorbed to failure. Similar comparisons were made between the various material combinations.