Vitesses de sollicitation : effet sur les matériaux et structures composites^*

Loading rates influence on composite structures and materials

¹ Maîtres de Conférences à l'Université de Bordeaux I
² Professeur à l’Université de Bordeaux I

Abstract

The sensivity of composite materials, and hence of composite structures to loading rates is actually a major problem in the applications of such materials ; one of the difficulties encountered lies in the very low toughness’ values when impacts are involved.

In this paper our aim is to do an overview of the main research works, which have been undertaken during the last fifteen years in the insutrial countries. A speciale emphasis is given to the experimental methods and related results. Some particular phenomena like perforation, delamination are discussed, regarding to stacking sequence, processing parameters, ageing processes influencing the interfacial characteristics, for instance.