Effects of arch camber and boundary condition on impact-based energy absorption

Flat panels made of fiber composites have high energy absorption capability with low density when subjected to low-velocity impact. This thesis research focused on studying the effects of structural curvature on the composite's energy absorption ability. Arched composites with three curvatures were fabricated and centrally impacted at low velocities. Experimental results showed that the contact duration, the maximum deflection and the energy absorption increased as the arch camber increased while the stiffness and the peak load decreased. It was also found that the boundary condition played an important role in the energy absorption process. Three boundary conditions termed bar-clamped, frame-clamped and bolted were investigated. Bar-clamped specimens experienced the highest slippage with respect to the boundaries during central impacts followed by the frame-clamped ones. Bolted specimens had the least slippage and showed the most consistent results. The slippage of the boundaries in the specimens produced additional energy absorption.