Low‐velocity impact response in composite plates embedding shape memory alloy wires

Abstract In this work, the behavior of hybrid composite plates, embedding superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) wires, subjected to low‐velocity impacts was studied. The impact experiments were performed on glass reinforced thermoset composite plates containing 1% by volume of superelastic thin wires (0.1 mm of diameter) of a SMA. The specimens were impacted with instrumented drop weight impact equipment: different dropping heights were used to attain impact energies from 1 to 500 J. The shape and size of damaged area were analyzed using two nondestructive inspection methods: (1) light scattering under back illumination was used to observe minor damages such as matrix cracks and fiber matrix debonding and (2) the size and shape of large damages such as delaminations were evaluated by infrared thermography. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers