A Preliminary Proposition for a Test Method to Measure (Impact) Damage Resistance

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Abstract
A preliminary proposal for a test to determine the impact damage resis tance of composite materials and their structures is offered. This test is centered on the utility of contact force as a parameter directly related to the damage that occurs during the event. This is demonstrated through work previously published as well as via new experi ments conducted on various graphite/epoxy material systems and laminates in both mono lithic laminate and sandwich configurations. Static indentation and impact tests were con ducted and show a similarity in regards to the structural response and the damage that occurs. This proposal is discussed in terms of the laminates tested and the results, the test's general applicability and utility, and issues that need to be addressed further. The proposal makes a significant step towards providing a common reference point and language for (impact) damage resistance.