Transient temperature measurements in a ballistic impact experiment on a thermoplastic composite material

Dynamic impact tests were conducted on thermoplastic composite laminates over an impact velocity range spanning the penetration velocity threshold, 88% of the penetration velocity, and 34% of the penetration velocity of the test panels. The primary objective was to record temperature increases that could affect the material properties of the composite during an impact event, and if so, provide guidance to predictive models which may account for such temperature rises. Observations from a combination of high-speed visible light photogrammetry coupled with high-speed infrared thermography indicate that it is highly unlikely that the composite reaches the glass transition temperature of 147°C during a non-penetrative impact event. From high-speed infrared imaging of the cross section, a maximum temperature of 106°C occurred due to a transverse wave generated at impact traveling through the composite panel rather than at the point of maximum deformation. • Maximum temperatures are observed in the cross section of the composite panel. • Peak temperatures in the internal layers are associated with passage of the transverse wave, not maximum displacement. • There is no evidence for the glass transition temperature being reached for this composite material for non-penetrative impacts.