Abstract
Dynamic responses of composite materials are characterized for ballistic engineering applications. An experimental method has been developed to investigate the dynamic effects on material behavior at a strain rate typically found during the launching of a projectile. An air-gun system and a test fixture with a designed crashing mechanism are used to simulate a loading condition resulting from gun firing. Methods of data acquisition and reduction have also been developed using a streak camera and a film digitization technique. The system is calibrated and verified by testing aluminum samples, and fairly good results are obtained. Finally, polymer composite laminates with lay-up constructions of interest are tested. Strain rate effects on the compressive strength are determined at strain rates of 10-100 in/sec. The failure mechanism of composite laminates is also investigated, which provides an understanding of the strengthening mechanism of composites subjected to impact.