Dynamic Response of Impact Damaged Random Fiber Automotive Composites

This study concentrates on the effects of low energy impact damage on the dynamic response of four random fiber reinforced composites that are commonly considered for automotive body and chassis applications. They include both thermoset and thermoplastic matrix composites. Impact damage is caused on composite plate specimens using a drop weight impact testing machine. Several different impact energy levels are considered and the severity of impact damage is macroscopically determined. The dynamic response of impact damaged composites is compared with that of unimpacted composites. Correlations are obtained between the input impact energy and changes in dynamic properties that include both natural frequencies as well as damping factor.