Delamination propagation analysis in tufted carbon fibre-reinforced plastic composites subjected to high-velocity impact

Impact-induced delamination propagation on both tufted and untufted carbon fibre-reinforced plastics composite laminates was investigated. High-velocity impacts were performed on a ballistic gas gun. Initial and residual velocities were monitored with optical sensors especially developed for this study. Energy-absorption abilities were compared for different tufting parameters. The perforated specimens were inspected with an original technique allowing the observation of interlaminar delamination area for each interface. The existence of preferential propagation direction is highlighted. It is concluded that tufting helps to contain delamination and provides improved energy absorption depending on the tufting pitch.