Studies on the repair of ballistic impact damaged S2-glass/vinyl ester laminates

In the current study, repair strategies for thick section woven S2-glass/vinyl ester composites subjected to ballistic impact loading are investigated. Several alternative approaches are outlined for repairing S2-glass/vinyl ester composites damaged by ballistic impact loading. Thick section laminates were subjected to ballistic impact loading using a gas-gun impact facility. The damaged laminates were subjected to repair. Various steps involved in the repair include: evaluation of extent of damage through NDE, removal of damaged material, preparation of surface for repair, repair through alternative approaches like patching with dry fabric followed by resin infusion, fiber filled resin infiltration, use of stiff lamina patch. Effectiveness of the repair was assessed through NDE. Post-impact ballistic and flexural tests were carried out to compare the ballistic limit and the flexural strength with those of the virgin samples.