On the penetration energy for fibre-reinforced plastics under low-velocity impact conditions

This paper deals with the prediction of the penetration energy for fibre-reinforced plastics subjected to low-velocity impact. Some results available in the literature, allowing evaluation of the main parameters affecting the energy-absorbing capacity of a composite laminate, are reviewed first. It is shown that, for a given fibre type, the penetration energy is substantially influenced by the total fibre volume and tup diameter, whereas other...