A Comparative Study of the Impact Response of 3D Textile Composites and Aluminum Plates

Impact damage of textile composite and aluminum are the most common phenomenon in aircrafts and high-speed vehicles as impact loadings often occur. This article presents a comparative study of the impact responses of two kinds of 3D textile composites (named as 3D spacer weft-knitted composite and 3D orthogonal woven composite) and aluminum circular plates tested with a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus. Finite element analyses of the impact behavior of the composites and aluminum were also presented to uncover the impact damage mechanisms. Furthermore, the quasi-static indentation tests were carried out for comparing the different damage modes between quasi-static and impact loading. The 3D textile composites have resin crack and fiber breakage under quasi-static indentation tests while only elasto-plastic deformation has been found in aluminum. The energy absorption of the 3D textile composite is greater than aluminum. While under impact loading, the 3D textile composites absorb lower impact energy than aluminum because the lower impact damages were found in the composite circular plate. More importantly, no impact delamination was found in both of the 3D textile composites. This manifestation of the 3D textile composites is tougher than aluminum in impact loading and more suitable for aircrafts and high-speed vehicles design.