Scaling of impact-loaded carbon-fiber composites

The application of scaling laws to fiber composite laminates is discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the case of impact loading. Scaling difficulties and conflicts are identified and illustrated in an experimental program based on impacted carbon-fiber composite beams. It is shown that the lay-up of laminates is important in assessing the likely validity of scale-model tests for such composites. It is also observed that significant size effects may dominate strength modeling.