An innovative experimental device for ice impac onto composite panel

Overview & Synopsis

The work presented here aims at developing an experimental protocol based firstly on the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) method (with stereo-vision) to analyse the exact impact point and deliver full field measurements (strains and displacement) over the specimen area; and secondly on improved boundary conditions that makes it possible a structural accommodation during the impact instead of the usual rigid embedding. Impact experiments are performed on composite stiffened panels in Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRPs) using a gas gun and hail projectiles taken from homogenous ice blocks. One should note that ice specimens were produced in collaboration with a laboratory specialised in the elaboration of such specific materials.