Presenter(s)
YuBo Ma
Abstract
The low velocity impact behavior and compression after impact performance of glass fiber reinforced polyethylene terephthalate glycol (GF/PETG), glass fiber reinforced amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (GF/PETa), and carbon fiber reinforced polyether ether ketone (CF/PEEK) thermoplastic composites were investigated to compare impact resistance across different material properties and cost levels. Quasi-isotropic laminates were fabricated by compression molding and subjected to drop weight impact at energy levels of 10, 15, and 20 J/mm, followed by compression after impact testing in accordance with ASTM D7136M and D7137 standards. Impact force response, energy absorption characteristics, and damage development were evaluated to assess material behavior under increasing impact energy. The results show clear differences in impact response and residual compression strength among the three materials. CF/PEEK generally exhibits the highest and most stable compression after impact strength among the investigated materials, although comparable values are observed with GF/PETa at 15 J/mm. GF/PETa shows higher residual strength than GF/PETG under the investigated conditions. The observed differences in residual strength indicate distinct impact damage resistance mechanisms among the investigated thermoplastic composite systems. When impact performance is considered in terms of material cost, GF/PETa provides a favorable balance between impact resistance and post-impact strength among lower-cost composites investigated in this research. CF/PEEK offers superior overall performance for applications where higher material cost is acceptable. Current outdoor seating concepts seem to be either heavy and bulky yet durable or light and easy to move, but lacking durability. How about combining the best of both worlds to create a seat that is light and easy to move, but also durable. WeatherWise is a sleek, carbon fiber bench that incorporates a honeycomb core to ensure a lightweight product that is also durable. The carbon fiber provides a sleek look and added strength. The design allows the bench to be outdoors in all types of weather from hot, sunny summer days to cold, snowy winter nights. The design allows for maximum comfort with contoured slats resulting in a comfortable and natural sitting position.
College
College of Science & Engineering
Department
Composite Materials Engineering
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Beckry Abdel-Magid
Location
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Start Date
4-23-2026 2:00 PM
End Date
4-23-2026 3:00 PM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
2b=2pm-3pm
Poster Number
78
Low-velocity impact behavior of reinforced commodity and high-performance thermoplastic composites
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
The low velocity impact behavior and compression after impact performance of glass fiber reinforced polyethylene terephthalate glycol (GF/PETG), glass fiber reinforced amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (GF/PETa), and carbon fiber reinforced polyether ether ketone (CF/PEEK) thermoplastic composites were investigated to compare impact resistance across different material properties and cost levels. Quasi-isotropic laminates were fabricated by compression molding and subjected to drop weight impact at energy levels of 10, 15, and 20 J/mm, followed by compression after impact testing in accordance with ASTM D7136M and D7137 standards. Impact force response, energy absorption characteristics, and damage development were evaluated to assess material behavior under increasing impact energy. The results show clear differences in impact response and residual compression strength among the three materials. CF/PEEK generally exhibits the highest and most stable compression after impact strength among the investigated materials, although comparable values are observed with GF/PETa at 15 J/mm. GF/PETa shows higher residual strength than GF/PETG under the investigated conditions. The observed differences in residual strength indicate distinct impact damage resistance mechanisms among the investigated thermoplastic composite systems. When impact performance is considered in terms of material cost, GF/PETa provides a favorable balance between impact resistance and post-impact strength among lower-cost composites investigated in this research. CF/PEEK offers superior overall performance for applications where higher material cost is acceptable. Current outdoor seating concepts seem to be either heavy and bulky yet durable or light and easy to move, but lacking durability. How about combining the best of both worlds to create a seat that is light and easy to move, but also durable. WeatherWise is a sleek, carbon fiber bench that incorporates a honeycomb core to ensure a lightweight product that is also durable. The carbon fiber provides a sleek look and added strength. The design allows the bench to be outdoors in all types of weather from hot, sunny summer days to cold, snowy winter nights. The design allows for maximum comfort with contoured slats resulting in a comfortable and natural sitting position.
