Low-energy impact characteristics of four different random E-glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic and thermosetting matrix composites are studied. Low-energy impact causes dent on the impacted side and surface cracks on the unimpacted side of all four composites. The damage size, maximum impact load, deflection at the maximum load and tup velocity dissipation of the four composites are compared. The residual tensile strength of the impact-damaged composites is also determined as a function of the input impact energy.
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