Damage assessment of low velocity impact response on Dyneema® HB-50 composite

Abstract

This work explores low-velocity impact response and damage assessment of Dyneema ® HB-50 composite laminates. These laminates are high-performance, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) material renowned for its ballistic resistance and stiffness. Dyneema ® HB-50 composite laminates were investigated at controlled impact energy levels of 35J, 40J and 45J using a drop-weight impact tester. Impact response parameters includes peak load, total absorbed energy, time to peak load and energy to peak load, were measured, revealing the composite’s high ultimate load capacity, short contact time and efficient energy dissipation without perforation. It is observed that absorbed energy increases progressively across the energy range. Damage characterization is done primarily through visual inspection, which shows localized surface indentation and minimal visible delamination, which conforms with HB-50’s superior damage tolerance despite potential subsurface matrix cracking and fiber micro-buckling inferred from the response profiles.