Three dimensional analysis of multidirectional composites subjected to low velocity impact

Abstract

In the present study a three dimensional finite element analysis procedure is developed to study the impact response of multidirectional thick composites. A micro mechanics model is employed to derive their stiffness properties In the present study, an attempt is made to compute the critical indentation using three dimensional anisotropic Tsai-Wu and Quadratic Delamination failure criteria. The Newmark's time integration algorithm is used for solving the time dependent equations. Numerical results are generated for simply supported thick multidirectional composite plates impacted by a rigid impactor. Target deflections are plotted to study the effect of fibre orientation in a multidirectional composite. Results are also presented to investigate the nature of contact force, impactor displacement and velocity profile.