Static indentation and impact behaviour of reformed bamboo/aluminium laminated composites

A series of static indentation and impact tests at different speeds were carried out to study the deformation behaviour and damage resistance of reformed bamboo/aluminium laminate composites. The load-displacement records were analysed, and the C-scan images as well as cross-sectional fractographs were examined to identify the failure mechanisms at different loading/boundary conditions. It was shown that the laminates deformed and failed in a totally different manner under different boundary conditions: the resistance to deformation and damage was much higher for the fully supported boundary than for the condition with clamped edges and an open window. Meanwhile, the mechanical response was little affected by loading speeds up to 3.5 m/s, and by laminate configuration, i.e. laminates with unidirectional or cross-ply bamboo layers. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.