Abstract: In order to investigate the effect of plunger on damage dimensions and residual compressive strength of laminates subjected to low-energy impact, the T700/DS1202 laminates were impacted by tapered and round plunger. Then, the dimensions of the damage were measured by superdepth microscope and compressive test. The results show that the damages caused by tapered plunger go deeper when the energy increase, and the damage area of round plunger is larger. When the depth of the damage ≥0.315 mm, the back on laminates will be cracked, which will result in the decreasing of the residual compressive strength to the 90% or below. Meanwhile, the threshold value of impact energy will be effected by the shape of plunger, and the threshold value of the tapered and round plunger is 5 J·mm^-1 and 6.67 J·mm^-1, respectively.

Key words: laminates, plounger, damage dimension, residual compressive strength