Low-Velocity Impact and Post-Impact Residual Flexural Properties of Kevlar/EP Three-Dimensional Angle-Interlock Composites

Abstract

In this study, five three-dimensional angle-interlock fabrics with different warp and weft densities were fabricated using 1000D Kevlar filaments. The Kevlar/EP composites were prepared by vacuum-assisted molding techniques. The low-velocity impact property of the composite was tested, focusing on the effects of the warp and weft densities, impact energy, impactor shape, and impactor diameter. The damage area, dent depth, and crack lengths in the warp and weft direction were used to evaluate the impact performance, and the specimens were compared with plain-weave composites with similar areal densities. The dominant failure mode of the conical impactor was fiber fracture, while the dominant failure mode of the hemispherical impactor was fiber–resin debonding. The cylindrical impactor showed only minor resin fragmentation. The residual flexural strength of the composite after impact was tested to provide insights into its mechanical properties. The study findings will provide a theoretical basis for the optimization of the design of impact-resistant structures using such materials and facilitate their engineering applications.