Experimental investigation of composite panel strength under ice impact

The purpose of the presented work is an in-depth study of the processes of defect formation and energy distribution during the impact interaction of a composite material with a fragile body. Ice balls imitating hail particles acted as a fragile indenter. A specialized laboratory setup for ballistic testing was developed and constructed at Novosibirsk State Technical University. This experimental system is equipped with a gas gun capable of accelerating projectiles to speeds of up to 200 m/sec, enabling precise simulation of impact conditions. Spherical projectiles with a diameter of 35 mm were fabricated using silicone molds to ensure high geometric accuracy. Composite panels made from the carbon-epoxy system Toray T800-24K/UD were selected as test materials due to their widespread application in various industries. Real-world testing, involving impacts of hail-like particles with a diameter of 35 mm on the panels, demonstrated that damage begins to form at impactor velocities starting from 130 m/sec. Experimental results, including detailed visual inspection of panel surfaces and ultrasonic analysis of internal structures, allowed the identification and classification of observed damage. The results of ultrasonic testing showed that in most cases, the destruction began from the center of the impact and spread to the adjacent areas. The data obtained were presented in detailed tables and graphs illustrating the relationship between the kinetic energy of the impact and the degree of damage to the composite material. These findings provide critical insights for further analysis and optimization of composite structures used in practical applications.

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