Damage tolerance of composite toecap

Abstract

In this study, the glass fiber polyester composite toecap for safety shoes was designed and manufactured to increase the energy absorption capacity during impact and to reduce the weight of steel toecap. The static compression and drop weight impact tests of 191 the composite toecap were performed with respect to stacking sequence, and the damage after impact was measured by macrography and CAI (Compression after impact) test. From the experimental results. it was found that the stacking sequence and fiber types of the composite toecaps had much influence on the static stiffness and impact damage of the toecap. The weight saving of the composite toecap was about 40% compared with the steel toecap of comparable static and impact characteristics. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.