Detection and reconstruction of impact loads within fibre-reinforced polymers with an estimation of its damage relevance

Fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) offer a high potential to reduce kinetic energy. As a consequence of this, fibre reinforced polymers often have a higher risk of being exposed to impact loads. Sudden unheralded structural failure of FRP caused by primary damage induced by impact loads is an important Factor especially in the aircraft industry. A prognosis of damage caused by barely visible impacts is difficult to predict. Especially in consideration of the fact that barely visible impacts and therewith possible primary damages are often unrecognized. The knowledge of the mechanisms and of the material loading during and shortly after an impact load is an important factor for the development of an "impact load monitoring system". The impact load can be reconstructed completely by means of several discrete measurement points. The location of the primary impact and furthermore the impact strength, the contact time and the feasibility of possible damages are evaluated with the impact load monitoring system.