Impact failure mechanisms in two thermoplastic matrix composites have been examined. These both had a PEEK matrix and were reinforced with AS4 and IM6 continuous carbon fibers. The IM6 fiber has higher stiffness and strength, and smaller diameter than AS4. Quasi-isotropic laminates were impacted using a low energy, in strumented falling weight apparatus and force-time curves were recorded. The impacted laminates were examined destructively and non-destructively to assess the impact damage.
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