Influence of Reinforcement Structure on Low-velocity Impact Performance of Carbon Fiber Aircraft Skin Composites
2026年1月21日
Abstract: To address the issue of hidden damage in aircraft skin composite materials caused by low-velocity impact, this study systematically compares the impact resistance of four carbon fiber woven structures: plain weave, twill weave, double-layer weave, and 3D shallow cross-bend interlock weave. Samples with similar fiber mass fractions were prepared using vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). Their impact resistance was evaluated through drop-weight impact tests, and failure mechanisms were identified by examining damage morphology and cross-sectional observations. The results show that the 3D shallow crossbend interlock structure exhibits the best impact energy absorption performance. This structure employs
an “overcoming rigidity with flexibility” energy dissipation mechanism via its multi-directional interlayer fiber network, resulting in the lowest peak impact load, the largest maximum displacement, and a damage mode dominated by microcrack propagation in the resin matrix. Cross-sectional analysis indicates that the 3D structure, with its high fiber buckling ratio, gradually releases stress through fiber straightening during impact, significantly delaying fracture progression. This study uncovers how 3D woven structures improve impact resistance by optimizing fiber spatial arrangement, providing a theoretical basis for the design of impact-resistant aircraft skin materials.
Key words: aircraft skin; composite materials; carbon fiber; impact performance; 3D structure
