Strain rate dependence of mode II delamination resistance in through thickness reinforced laminated composites

A thorough experimental procedure is presented in which the mode II delamination resistance of a laminated fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) composite with and without Z-pins is characterised when subjected to increasing strain rates. Standard three-point End Notched Flexure (3ENF) specimens were subjected to increasing displacement loading rates from quasi-static (∼0 m/s) to high velocity impact (5 m/s) using a range of test equipment including...