Impact Resistance of Composite Materials - Nautical Applications

Resins, and composites with a resin matrix, provide materials that are strong, lightweight, corrosion-resistant and dimensionally stable. These materials also provide good design flexibility, a high dielectric strength, and usually require lower tooling costs. Their tremendous strength-to-weight and design flexibility make them ideal in nautical applications.

They are widely used in the building of recreational boat hulls and products destined to permanent water contact such as competition boats, surf-boards etc. Manufacturers of these products require materials that have a high degree of resistance to impact.

Of concern to the manufacturer not only is any damage that may be done to the outer layer of the product, but any damage that may occur to the inner layers of the material due to the impact event. The best way to investigate the impact properties of a resin or a composite based on resin matrix is to perform fully instrumented impact tests. Gathering data from this type of testing allows for the investigation of how all layers of the material react to impact events of varying energies.

The tests are commonly carried out according to ASTM D3763 or ISO 6603-2. To meet the requirements for this application, we recommend our Instron 9400 Series, coupled with the proper specimen clamping set, anti-rebound device, multiple crossheads, instrumented tup, tup insert, DAS and Bluehill Impact software. Because materials may react differently to an impact event based upon the temperatures they are used at a thermostatic chamber may also be required.

For more details about the equipment used in this test configuration please refer to the documents available in the links below.