Find in Library

The prototype of removable visual impact indicator for thermoset polymer composite materials is developed, and its characteristics are experimentally determined. The indicator is a fabric tape glued by epoxy to the surface of the polymer composite. The tape is impregnated with a composition that provides a visual response at the place of an impact on the composite surface. Ball-drop tests demonstrated the increase of the magnitude of the visual response with the impact energy at different substrate hardnesses. The shelf-life and mode of the tape storage until commissioning are determined. Peel tests showed the ability to remove a used indicator without damaging the surface of the composite.