Characterizations of basalt unsaturated Polyester laminates under static Three-Point bending and Low-Velocity impact loadings

Abstract

This paper reports the responses of basalt unsaturated polyester laminates under static three-point bending loading and low-velocity impact. Three kinds of com- posite materials, unidirectional (0  ), cross-ply (0  /90  ) and woven laminates were considered. The laminates were fabricated by layup process and hot pressed under pressure. Static three-point bending tests and low-velocity impact tests were conducted to obtain the force–deflection, force–time, deflection–time, velocity– time, and energy–time curves. The results showed that unidirectional (0  ) laminates carried more load during static loading, but in the event of dynamic loading, cross-ply, and woven laminates were more superior. It was observed that the failure of 0  laminates was along the fiber direction while for cross-ply and woven, the damage was localized, around the impacted loca- tions. From the different combinations of unidirectional (0  ), cross-ply (0  /90  ) and woven lamina, the impact behaviors could be optimized with the lowest area den- sity.