Transient temperature measurements in a ballistic impact experiment on a thermoplastic composite material

Dynamic impact tests were conducted on thermoplastic composite laminates over an impact velocity range spanning the penetration velocity threshold, 88% of the penetration velocity, and 34% of the penetration velocity of the test panels. The primary objective was to record temperature increases that could affect the material properties of the composite during an impact event, and if so, provide guidance to predictive models which may account for such temperature rises. Observations from a combination of high-speed visible light photogrammetry coupled with high-speed infrared thermography indicate that it is highly unlikely that the composite reaches the glass transition temperature of 147 degrees C during a non-penetrative impact event. From highspeed infrared imaging of the cross section, a maximum temperature of 106 degrees C occurred due to a transverse wave generated at impact traveling through the composite panel rather than at the point of maximum deformation.