The effect of low velocity impact in the strength characteristics of composite materials laminates

The nonlinear and dynamic response of composite structures to impact loading conditions was investigated. The convergence of both finite element and finite difference solution procedures was investigated with this configuration. The response of composite beams and plates to impact were examined. Fundamental data on the indentation and flexural response of both plate and beam geometry were collected. Numerical analyses were extended to the study of circular plates subjected to impact loading. Further work was done in modeling the response to simulated impact loading through careful modeling of the momentum transfer from impactor to target. The modeling methodology and solution procedures were well tested and verified. A computer program for the solution of circular plate problems was developed and is under testing.