Influence of repeated impact on damage growth in fibre reinforced polymer composites

Fibre reinforced polymer composites (FRP) are widely used in many sectors, mainly in aeronautical engineering for the elements of aircraft, including the skins. Due to the trends towards maintenance costs reduction and towards the reduction of aircraft structure weight, the demand level for durable and damage resistance materials is high [25]. These requirements are met by the composite structures characterized i.a. by high level of static and fatigue strength, low density and corrosion resistance. However they are characterized by limited resistance to impacts with concentrated force [19]. The resistance to impacts is particularly important in the scope of aircraft operation and their reliability. The aircraft are required to perform determined functions at determined time and operation conditions. The impacts may lead to degradation of individual structural elements and consequently to the reduction of their service life and finally affecting the safety level [21]. The dynamic loads may be generated in course of flight and ground handling of aircrafts e.g. by falling tools, collisions with loadJarosław BieniAś Barbara SurowSkA Patryk JAkuBczAk