An impact testing machine was designed and fabricated to investigate the impact strength,

resistance, and resilience of composite materials at low velocity impacts. In previous designs of
conventional drop weight impact test machines, the mass and height were the two variables to
impart different impact forces and energies hence requiring a considerable height for the machine.
This concept has been challenged to make an indigenous design for the drop weight impact
machine so that different impact energies and forces within minimum height can be achieved. The
machine was designed in accordance with ASTM standard D-7136 with some additions in height
and force system. System calibration and data acquisition techniques were developed which makes
use of a force actuator. Composite laminates of different materials (glass, carbon and kevlar) were
tested using the impact machine. Fractography for damage inspection of the test specimen was
done to study the damages in detail. Comparisons with experimental data were performed in order
to access the accuracy of prediction. Results were validated using ABAQUS software with the
help of a failure criteria. The experimental and software results were found to be supporting each
other. 16 ply Carbon Fibre laminates were found to be very resistant against Visible Damage at
velocities up to 3.0 m/s. Visible Damages were recorded at velocities of 3 m/s and above. Mix
mode failures were observed in Carbon Fibre composites. 6 ply hybrid composites were found to
be very ineffective against impact test and showed significant visible damage.