Damage Containment and Residual Strength of Composite Laminates

Damage in composite laminates caused by low‐velocity impact may produce significant reductions in compressive strength. Lockheed conducted an experimental program to investigate the damage‐containment capability of simple composite laminates of two graphite‐epoxy systems: T300/5208 and AS/3501‐6. Four different lay‐ups, including two hybrid laminates, were investigated for each material system. Results are presented for comparison. Laminates with Kevlar layers, especially where the layer is on the surface of the laminate, demonstrate better impact resistance.