Matrix‐Dependent Multi‐Impact Behavior of Cylindrical Composite Tubes: A Comparative Study

ABSTRACT This study evaluates the effect of resin type on the single‐ and multi‐impact behavior of cylindrical composite tubes. Two resin systems, epoxy and polyester, were tested, exhibiting distinct mechanical performance and cost. Under a 20 J single impact, E‐glass/epoxy tubes reached a peak load of 3.63 kN with a maximum displacement of 10.73 mm and an initial impact bending stiffness of 238 N/mm. E‐glass/polyester tubes, in contrast, reached 2.06 kN, 8.61 mm, and 91.8 N/mm, respectively, showing more ductile and distributed damage. In multi‐impact tests, fatigue life decreased with increasing impact energy. Epoxy composites sustained 26 impacts before perforation at 30 J, whereas polyester tubes required 24 J. Below 9 J (~200 cycles), polyester tubes outperformed epoxy, highlighting a trade‐off between performance and cost. The superior impact resistance of epoxy is linked to stronger fiber–matrix interfacial bonding and enhanced stiffness, while polyester offers economic advantages under lower‐energy conditions. These findings demonstrate that matrix selection critically governs energy absorption, damage tolerance, and impact fatigue performance in composite tubular structures, providing practical guidance for designing resilient and cost‐effective systems under repeated impacts.