Investigation of impact behavior of GFRP composite laminates with embedded SMA wire under low-velocity impact test

This study investigated the low-velocity impact behavior of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite laminates embedded with shape memory alloy (SMA) wires, using a drop-weight impact testing machine. Three types of specimens were evaluated: (1) laminates without SMA wires, (2) laminates with embedded SMA wires, and (3) laminates containing 3% pre-strained SMA wires. The measured parameters included impact force, maximum displacement at the middle point of the laminates, absorbed impact energy, and damage area. The results indicated that embedding SMA wires longitudinally within the mid-layer improved load distribution and enhanced the composite's performance under impact loading. Furthermore, the presence of SMA wires significantly enhanced the impact force response and contributed to maintaining structural integrity through improved energy dissipation. The incorporation of SMA wires also led to reduced maximum displacement and damage area, while effectively preventing the propagation of irregular and uncontrolled cracks.