Estimation of residual tensile strength of composite laminate after low-velocity impact using visually inspection.

• The residual tensile strength after impact of glass/polyester laminates is investigated. • Damage areas are detected by using visually inspection. • Residual tensile strength of samples impacted by hemispherical tip is estimated using two fracture mechanics models. • The residual tensile strength for the damaged laminates is predicted using new model. • The proposed model predicts the residual strength with much higher accuracy and much less error than the existing models. In this study, the residual strength of the post impacted glass/polyester laminates is investigated by the conduction of tension after impact (TAI) loading. The specimens are placed on a rigid plane and subjected to low velocity impact using a drop weight impact tower. Damage areas are detected by using visually inspection and measuring the size of the permanent impression on the surface of specimens. The relationships between the impact energy and degradation of mechanical properties have been stablished for the composites. The residual tensile strength for the impact-damaged laminates is predicted using new model. The correlation between the experimental and new model results is found to be good. Two models proposed by Caprino and Koo have been using to compare the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]