Finite element analysis of a laminated composite plate subjected to circularly distributed central impact loading

A two dimensional finite element analysis has been made for a fiber-reinforced composite laminate subjected to circularly distributed impact load which results, for example, from impacting the plate with a blunt-ended projectile. A finite element displacement model which includes the effects of transverse shear deformation and rotary inertia was used along with Hamilton's principle to derive the finite element matrices. Newmark's direct integration technique was used to integrate with respect to time. The interaction force between the projectile and the plate was calculated by using the Hertzian law of contact. Results for laminate deformations are shown to compare quantitatively with experimental results. Numerical values for stresses in the plate were calculated.