A 3D tomographic investigation to elucidate the low-velocity impact resistance, tolerance and damage sequence of thin non-crimp fabric laminates: effect of ply-thickness

While thin-plies delay the onset of matrix cracking and improve certain in-plane mechanical properties, the effect they have on the out-of-plane response remains unclear. We compared the impact resistance, tolerance and sequence of failure events of thin laminates manufactured with thin- or standard-ply non-crimp fabrics (fibre areal weight of 67 and 134 gsm per ply). Damage initiation and propagation was detailed using (a) quasi-static...