High strain rate behavior of composites with continuous fibers

Plate impact pressure-shear experiments are presented for generating damage in composites under well-characterized high strain rate loading conditions. The specimens are recovered to examine the deformation-induced damage mechanisms. The microstructural analyses show that at a low impact velocity, transverse shear cracks and interfacial debonding are the primary damage mechanisms, while at a high impact velocities, fiber breakage becomes pronounced. A finite element model is applied to identify failure mechanisms through comparison of numerically predicted velocity histories to those recorded experimentally. This model solves an initial-boundary value problem, accounting for finite deformations, inertia, strain hardening, and strain rate hardening effects. The geometrical effects of fiber distribution and confinement in the dynamic shear resistance of the material are examined.