Water Intrusion in Graphite/Epoxy Sandwich Panels Subjected to Low Level Impact Damage

Abstract

Due to the increasing use of graphite/epoxy sandwich panels on the exterior surface of aircraft, it is necessary to determine the ability of the panels to resist potential damage caused by runway debris. There have been numerous studies on the abilities of composite panels to resist the damage due to low level impact; however, the ability of an impacted panel to resist water intrusion needs to be studied. Impact by runway debris can damage panels and allow water intrusion to the core of the panels. Water will damage the core and reduce the load carrying capabilities of the panels.

In this paper the theory of impact damage of composite laminates will be applied to graphite/epoxy sandwich panels and the predictions will be compared to experimental results. The panels will be subjected to falling weight impact tests and then tested for water intrusion.

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