Mechanical and impact tests of CFRP. An experimental and numerical study of the mechanical properties of CFRP samples with varying temperatures, using Four-point bending, Charpy and Air gun tests

Abstract

With increasing popularity of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) over time, the need of research in the field increases along with it. The aim of this project was to study the mechanical properties of CFRP with varying temperature settings. A four-point bending test was performed to find the deflection of CFRP in room temperature, and after being exposed to cold temperature. A numerical test was done to compare and verify the experimental results of the room temperate CFRP. An air gun impact test was performed to look at the visual effect on the CFRP from a pellet impact and from an ice impact. Permeation was also tested by layering up the CFRP samples to find the limiting thickness for pellet penetration. The results were compared to the results of a numerical analysis. A Charpy pendulum impact test was used to evaluate the fracture toughness of the CFRP, both qualitative and quantitative.