Fracture of boron--epoxy composite due to impact loading

Experiments were carried out to investigate the response of boron-epoxy composite to impact loading, with primary emphasis on the fracture of this composite. This study showed that cracks are nucleated on internal interfaces and that the crack velocity, as extrapolated from post-test observations, is quite high. In addition, an analysis was carried out to determine the stress level at which damage is first observed. (U.S.)