The influence of the fiber used as reinforcement in resin matrix composite materials submitted to repeated low energy impacts is analyzed. The aramid, glass and carbon fiber composites were submitted to drop weight tests from 0.5m and from 1m. The number of impact events necessary to cause failure was recorded, and the fracture characteristics of each composite were analyzed by optical microscopy and X-rays radiography. The results obtained showed that carbon fiber composites have better performance than the glass and aramid composites. This behavior was partially attributed to the higher elastic energy absorption of carbon fibers that delays the propagation of delamination, and fiber breakage. The failure mode of glass fiber composites was dominated by the higher number of glass fibers per surface area of the composites. The worst behavior shown by aramid composites was attributed to the intrinsic anisotropy of aramid fibers.
Low energy impact; polymer matrix composites; microstructural characterization; composite performance
