Presenter(s)
Michael Dietz and Wyatt Laborde
Abstract
Intro/Purpose: This project was conducted to investigate how a material's compressive strength is affected after being impacted while supported on three sides. This has broader implications, helping us understand how military equipment, such as battleships, have their compressive strength affected when impacted by projectiles like bullets, shrapnel, or other objects.
Methodology: This test was conducted using panels made of multiple layers of fiberglass pressed together to form a solid sheet. We then cut these sheets into multiple panels. These panels were rectangular, with a tab coming off three sides. The three tabs simulated a wall supporting the material around it. We developed five groups, with three panels per group. We then impacted the center of the panels with varying levels of force for each group. Afterward, we documented the damage and tested the compressive strength. Once this was completed, we collected all our data to analyze the relationship between impact force and compressive strength.
Results/Findings: From this, we expect to find that the impact on the panels reduces their compressive strength. Each group had different levels of damage based on the amount of force taken from the impact. The panels subjected to a greater impact force are expected to have the least compressive strength. This is because greater amounts of force lead to more cracks and structural defects, lowering the compressive strength. This information will help us understand the relationship between how impact affects compressive strength.
College
College of Science & Engineering
Department
Composite Materials Engineering
First Advisor/Mentor
Eric Anderson-Kerr
Start Date
4-24-2025 1:00 PM
End Date
4-24-2025 2:00 PM
Presentation Type
Poster Session - Early-Year RCA
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
2a=1pm-2pm
Poster Number
28
Included in
Panel Impact and Compressing Strength Testing
Intro/Purpose: This project was conducted to investigate how a material's compressive strength is affected after being impacted while supported on three sides. This has broader implications, helping us understand how military equipment, such as battleships, have their compressive strength affected when impacted by projectiles like bullets, shrapnel, or other objects.
Methodology: This test was conducted using panels made of multiple layers of fiberglass pressed together to form a solid sheet. We then cut these sheets into multiple panels. These panels were rectangular, with a tab coming off three sides. The three tabs simulated a wall supporting the material around it. We developed five groups, with three panels per group. We then impacted the center of the panels with varying levels of force for each group. Afterward, we documented the damage and tested the compressive strength. Once this was completed, we collected all our data to analyze the relationship between impact force and compressive strength.
Results/Findings: From this, we expect to find that the impact on the panels reduces their compressive strength. Each group had different levels of damage based on the amount of force taken from the impact. The panels subjected to a greater impact force are expected to have the least compressive strength. This is because greater amounts of force lead to more cracks and structural defects, lowering the compressive strength. This information will help us understand the relationship between how impact affects compressive strength.
