Effects of Geometric and Material Factors on Mechanical Response of Laminated Composites Due to Low Velocity Impact

Abstract

In this paper, the geometric and material parameters of Graphite/Epoxy composite laminates such as span-to-thickness ratio, out-of-plane stiffness, orthotropy, stacking sequence are considered to investigate their influence on the mechanical behavior of composite plates under a low speed impact. Investigation is performed by means of two- and three-dimensional finite element methods combined with the modified Hertzian contact law, the failure criterion, and the degeneration of damaged elements. It is demonstrated that two-dimensional finite element analysis concerning transverse shear deformation due to the low speed impact by a solid object is acceptable when the minimum aspect ratio (b/h) is greater than 30. Also it is found that the shape of damage zone may not be peanut-shaped and determined by the in-plane orthotropy of laminates. Besides, the effect of stacking sequence on the impact response is discussed.

Keywords

composite laminates low velocity impact finite element method

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