Impact and quasi-static bending tests for a novel composite structure of ceramic and polymeric matrix composites

To resolve the dilemma between impact resistance and structural stiffness of fan containment casing of modern civil aeroengines, a novel composite structure (CS) is proposed. It combines the hard and stiff ceramic which layered at the impact side and the lightweight and tough polymeric matrix composites (PMC) on the back side. The new structure was tested under ballistic impact loadings and quasi-static four-point bending. The results indicate that the impact resistance of the new structure is improved, compared with the PMC-only samples. Meanwhile, the bending stiffness of the new structure is also substantially larger at the cost of much lower bending strength.