LOW-VELOCITY IMPACT RESPONSE OF COMPOSITE LAMINATES CONSIDERING HIGHER-ORDER SHEAR DEFORMATION AND LARGE DEFLECTION

SUMMARY

Low-velocity impact responses of composite laminates are investigated analytically and experimentally. In analytical research, the finite element analyses based on various plate theories and three-dimensional thoeory are performed. For experimental research, a drop weight type impact test system is used. In geometrical non-linear analysis, a displacement field considering higher-order shear deformation and large deflection of the laminate is assumed and the finite element formulation is derived. The modified Hertzian contact law is incorporated into the finite element program to evaluate contact force. Numerical results including impact force histories, deflections, dynamic strains in the laminate from the impact response analysis are presented and compared with the experimental results from impact test. The results of the investigation indicate that higher-order shear deformation and large deflection effects should be considered to accurately describe the low-velocity impact response including interlaminar shear stress of the laminate.