Compression-after impact behavior of laminated composite plates subjected to low velocity impact in high temperatures

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the impact test temperature on compression-after impact (CAI) strength. For this purpose, compression-after impact (CAI) tests are carried out on the glass/epoxy composite plates subjected to various impact energies at room temperature (20 °C) and high temperatures (40 °C, 60 °C, 80 °C and 100 °C). Two stacking sequences as [0°/90°/0°/90°]S and [0°/90°/45°/−45°]S are tested to investigate the laminate orientation effects on CAI strength and CAI damage mechanism. Two impact damage orientations as vertical and horizontal damages are also examined to reveal the impact damage orientation effects. Results show that the impact test temperature has significant effect on the CAI strength of the laminates. Suitable laminate for CAI strength is obtained as [0°/90°/45°/−45°]S stacking sequences with vertical impact damage for all impact test temperature.