Architecture is only one variable
Through-thickness fibres can bridge damage and change crack propagation, but impact response also depends on fibre and matrix, architecture, thickness, curvature, support conditions, impactor, velocity, energy and damage-detection method.
NASA’s comparative work has shown that textile systems do not produce one universal ranking; tested stitched, braided and woven systems can behave differently depending on architecture and metric. See NASA’s impact-response evaluation.
Coupon impact is not bird-strike certification
ASTM D7136/D7136M addresses drop-weight impact damage resistance for composite plates and cautions that results are specific to the tested geometry and conditions. It is useful evidence for a controlled material comparison, not proof that a radome or aircraft structure is bird-strike resistant.
FAA material describes certification-compliance routes including test, validated analysis, similarity and shielding. See the FAA bird-strike compliance course description.
A credible development sequence
- Define the component, threat and applicable requirement.
- Select candidate fibre, matrix and textile architectures.
- Inspect and characterise manufactured preforms and cured material.
- Perform controlled coupon and subcomponent impact tests.
- Measure damage and residual properties.
- Advance only through the customer’s approved certification plan.
Until such evidence exists, website language should say “architecture intended for impact-tolerance evaluation” rather than “bird-strike resistant.”