Impact damages induced by a low-velocity impact load on carbon fiber reinforced polymer
(CFRP) composite plates fabricated with various stacking sequences were studied experimentally.
The impact responses of the CFRP composite plates were significantly affected by the
laminate stacking sequences. Three types of specimens, specifically quasi-isotropic, unidirectional,
and cross-ply, were tested by a constant impact carrying the same impact energy level.
An impact load of 3.44 kg, corresponding to 23.62 J, was applied to the center of each plate
supported at the boundaries. The unidirectional composite plate showed the worst impact resistance
and broke completely into two parts; this was followed by the quasi-isotropic lay-up
plate that was perforated by the impact. The cross-ply composite plate exhibited the best resistance
to the low-velocity impact load; in this case, the impactor bounced back. Impact parameters
such as the peak impact force and absorbed energy were evaluated and compared for
the impact resistant characterization of the composites made by different stacking sequences.