Damage Assessment in Glass Fiber-Epoxy Matrix Composite under High Velocity Impact of Ice

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of nanoclay on the impact damage resistance of glass fiber-epoxy composites under high velocity ice impact loading. Addition of 0.5 wt. % nanoclay into epoxy was shown to improve damage resistance compared to composite plates having no nanoclay platelet. The glass fiber-epoxy composites containing nanoclay brought about substantial improvement in ice impact damage resistance and damage tolerance in the form of smaller damage area. Delamination followed by high velocity ice impact constituted major damage mode in the specimens tested.