Compressive residual strength at low temperatures of composite laminates subjected to low-velocity impacts

Compression after impact behaviour of different carbon fibre reinforced composite laminates (tape and woven) was studied at low temperatures. Low-velocity impact tests on thin plates at room temperature were made, followed by compression after impact tests at -60 degrees C and -150 degrees C. The results of these tests were compared with those of non-impacted specimens to study the variation of the residual strength at different impact energies. In tape laminates, the lower temperature decreased compression after impact strength, although no influence was detected regarding temperature in the variation of the compressive-strength-retention factor. However, at low temperatures, the woven laminate showed greater strength and a less loss of the retention factor than at room temperature. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.