Response of Laminated FRP Composites under Multiple Impact Loading

Abstract

This paper deals with the finite element analysis of the low-velocity impact of multiple masses on laminated FRP composites. Eight-noded, layered solid elements have been developed for the finite element modeling of FRP laminates. The Newmark-b method along with the Hertzian contact law has been used for transient dynamic finite element analysis [2] and implemented for the impact of multiple masses at different times. An appropriate delamination criterion has been used to assess the location and extent of delamination due to multiple impacts. The present method is quite general in the sense that it can incorporate any number of impactors of different masses striking with different velocities, at different points of time and at arbitrary locations on the top surface of the laminated plates. It has been observed that the contact force magnitude as well as delamination at the interface are greatly influenced by the time interval between successive multiple impacts.