Fracture behavior of CFRPs impacted by relatively high-velocity steel sphere

Carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) of 2-mm thickness were made with different interfacial strengths, properties, and sequences of reinforcing fibers. A 5-mm diameter steel sphere was impacted upon the CFRPs at 150–314 m/s. By energy absorption measurement and in situ morphological observation, the effects of interfacial strength and properties on the fracture behavior of the CFRPs were investigated. On impact at 150 m/s, a weak interface resulted in high energy absorption. The rear layer should consist of high-strength fiber for higher energy absorption in this velocity range.