Shock and acceleration waves with large amplitudes in laminated composite plates

Abstract

Propagation of shock and acceleration waves with large amplitudes is studied. The geometrical nonlinearity in the von Karman sense is included in deriving the plate equations. The dynamical conditions on the wave fronts are derived from the three-dimensional conditions in a way consistent with the derivation of the plate equations. General equations governing the propagation velocities are obtained. Solutions are presented for the case where the plates are initially at rest. It is found that, in this case, the large amplitude has a substantial effect only on the transverse shear shock wave. Finally, stability of the wave front is discussed.