Dynamic behavior of top-hat bonded stiffened composite panels: Experimental characterization

What is it about?

One of the most applications of stiffened composite panels is the marine application. In this study, a new sandwich structure consists of long E-glass fibers reinforced Balsa composites is evaluated. The use of this material in marine applications for long periods and under different environmental conditions leads to degradation of mechanical properties of structures and the adhesive. Therefore, in order to guarantee the best functioning of structures for long time periods, an experimental characterization procedure is required. For this purpose, the dynamic mechanical behavior of top-hat bonded stiffened composite panels used in marine applications is studied. A special fixture was designed and fabricated for the impact testing of stiffened structures. Manufactured specimens were tested until finale failure and the effect of impact velocities on the load-displacement and strain-displacement behaviors are compared. We have also interested to the effect of impact velocity on the dynamic behavior and damage kinetics.

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Why is it important?

Top-hat bonded stiffened structures are often subjected to impact loading in marine applications. In this study, the dynamic behavior of stiffened panels was presented and analyzed for different impact velocities. Three specimens of each stiffener configurations were manufactured using lay-up process and tested. The bonded composite panels consist of a sandwich, a hat laminated composites, Balsa wood provided by BALTEK Company and a resin matrix. Load-displacement curves and load-deformation variations were treated and compared for different velocities, in order to understand the efficiency of the stiffener and the effect of the velocity impact. Thus the pick force tends to increase when the velocity impact increases. High speed camera was used to monitor the damage mode in the structure during impact tests.

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