Low Velocity Impact of Optical Fiber Embedded Laminated Graphite/Epoxy Panels. Part II: Micro-Scale

Abstract

Optical Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy are used to investigate the micro-crack distribution in the vicinity of optical fibers embedded in laminated graphite/epoxy plates subjected to low velocity impact. The test matrix consists of six different types of optical fibers embedded in [902/04/OF(0)/04/902], [906/OF(0)/906], [(45/-45)3/OF(0)/(-45/45)3] AS4/3501-6 plates. The results show that the optical fiber diameter and coating influence the micro-crack distribution in the [902/04/OF(0)/04/902], [906/OF(0)/906], [(45/-45)3/OF(0)/(-45/45)3] plates, and that the host damage is insensitive to the presence of the optical fiber for [906/OF(0)/906] laminates. The results further indicate that optical fibers less than 100 μm in diameter do not alter the indigenous micro-crack distribution for these material systems and this optical fiber placement.