EXPERIMENT NO.

11

PERFORM THE LOW VELOCITY PROJECTILE IMPACT TEST

AIM:

To perform the low velocity Impact test on Glass/epoxy composite material.

APPARATUS REQUIRED:

 Impact testing machine

 Impactor
 Composite materials
 Clamps

THEORY:

The standard tests for impact strength of a material include Charpy test, Izod test, drop weight impact
test, chip impactor test, and compression-after-impact (CAI) and tension-after-impact (TAI) tests. The
advantage of using the drop weight impact test over pendulum impact test methods is that the
specimen does not usually have to be clamped, depending on the testing arrangement.

The method of using the drop weight impact includes the use of a falling weight that impacts the
specimen. This impact striker is known as a tup , which falls through a vertical guide tube that directs it
to the center of a specimen. The guide tube must be perpendicular to the impact surface as stated in the
American testing standards.

FORMULAE USED:

The energy released from the drop weight test is,

E= mgh-l

where E is the energy (J),

m is the mass of tup (kg),

g is the gravity (m/s2 ),

h is the height (m),

l are the losses incurred by friction and other sources (J).The loss is negligible in the test.
PROCEDURE:

 The flexural tests were conducted on Drop Weight Impact Testing Machine. These tests were
carried out on rectangular specimens (150 x 100 x 4 mm) at room temperature.
 As per ASTM D5628 dimensions of the specimen like original thickness, gauge length etc. is to be
measured.
 The specimen is placed on the supports and is fitted to the drop weight impact testing machine.
 Impactor of proper weight is selected and height of the impactor is adjusted.
 Impactor is allowed to drop at the center of the specimen.
 The specimen is removed and final dimensions are measured.
 Energy released during impact test is to be calculated by formula given.

RESULT: The low velocity impact test has been performed successfully.