Design, Fabrication, and Characterization of an Impact Dissipative Layer for Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites

This study presents the option of an effective low-impact energy dissipating material applied to GFRP (glass fiber reinforced plastic) composite laminates using auxectic technology in the case of planing hull vessels that use the same high-speed light materials that repeatedly impact the surface of the water when sailing, producing a slamming phenomenon. Research shows that the option to modify the laminate with an auxectic layer protects the laminate from damage. This work proposes the manufacturing of dissipative layers, introduced in laminates made with a polymeric matrix and fiberglass reinforcement, which are evaluated with weight drop tests under different impact energies. The data are collected and processed by a unidirectional gravitometer that gives the acceleration values of the impactor. The tests compare unmodified panels with modified panels, showing that the energy absorbed by the unmodified panel is greater at equal energy levels. The returned energy comparison curve is shown, and the benefits of its use are presented.