Experimental analysis of transverse impact loading on composite cylinders

The present study consists on experimental analyses of composite cylinders made by filament winding process, which are under transverse impact loading. The results are shown and discussed considering the influence of the stacking sequence as well as the total thickness of the cylinders. Thus, the results are normalized regarding the stiffness of each cylinder, and there are discussions based on identified damages, different graphics (force, displacement and strain vs. time), energy balance between impactor and coupons, as well as elastic and dissipated energy ratios and response delays for different strain gauges positions on the cylinders. Finally, guidelines for designing composite cylinders are presented considering the aspects addressed by the experimental analyses. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.