The effect of strain rate on the through-thickness tensile stiffness and strength properties of fibre-reinforced epoxy composites

Abstract
An experimental technique is described for determining the through-thickness stiffness and strength properties of laminated composites at impact rates of strain. Results are presented for through-thickness tensile tests on a X-ply CFRP, a woven CFRP and a woven GFRP at a quasi-static, an intermediate and an impact rate of strain. A small increase in strength and failure strain is observed under impact loading but tensile modulus and Poisson's ratio are essentially independent of strain rate.