The translaminar dynamic fracture toughness of four carbon fiber - epoxy resin composite laminates was compared at the impact velocities of 2.25 and 5.52 m/s, under the temperatures of -70, +25 and +100 °C. It has been concluded that the initiation fracture toughness of unidirectional tape laminates is quite higher than bidirectional woven fabric composites, despite the testing conditions. In regard to the damage propagation toughness, it has been shown that the tape laminate processed at 180 °C is the best option at intermediate temperatures, whereas the tape composite manufactured at 120 °C is the most suitable to operate under impact at both the extremes of the temperature range evaluated.
Instrumented Charpy impact testing; aeronautical composite laminate; dynamic fracture toughness
