Structural integrity evaluation of impacted glass fibre reinforced polyester composites using Optical deformation and Strain Measurement system (ARAMIS)

This study deals with damage evaluation using an optical deformation and strain measurement system (ARAMIS). Damage was introduced using an Instrumented Falling Weight Impact Test (IFWIT) machine. The incident impact energy was controlled to low magnitude so that the specimen was not penetrated and only internal damage was introduced. This internal damage can have an adverse effect on structural integrity, and potentially lead to catastrophic failure. This paper presents the theoretical aspects involved with ARAMIS and its capability of evaluating the internal damage. Surface strain concentrations at different loading levels are used to indicate the location and geometrical characteristics of both external and internal damage.