Prediction of post-impact residual strength and fatigue characteristics after impact of CFRP composite structures

The residual strength and fatigue life of CFRP (Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Plastic) composite structures with impact damage were predicted by using the characteristic length of the composite with the hole corresponding to the impact damage area. Since the specimen has a C-shaped structure that is different from the shape of a standard specimen, the shape factor was obtained from the concentration of the plate specimen and that of the structure using finite element analysis. The fatigue life of composite structures with impact damage can be predicted accurately by applying the prediction model, which takes into account the residual strength after impact, the shape factor which considers geometric characteristics, and the fatigue characteristics of virgin composites that have not been impacted to the model for strength degradation following impact. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.