The use of thick fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) laminates in composite armor and naval structures requires thorough characterization of the through-thickness properties of said laminates, both quasi-statically and at high strain rates. Specimens cut from an E-Glass/vinyl ester FRP were tested in compression both quasi-statically and dynamically using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). The SHPB tests utilized a conical striker for pulse shaping, to reduce the variation in strain rate during the test. The quasi-static through-thickness compressive strength was 417 MPa, while the SHPB tests produced a strength of 462 MPa at an average strain rate of 5.1 × 102 s−1. A single HPB configured for spalling tests was used to determine the dynamic through-thickness tensile strength (interlaminar tension). The interlaminar tensile strength was 125 MPa at an average strain rate of 1.8 × 103 s−1.
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