Mechanics of Transverse Impact in Fiber Composite Plates and Cylinders

ABSTRACT: Transverse impact loadings of composite structures are of concern because of the possibility of accidental damage in service. This article presents results from a com-bined experimental and analytical investigation of impact in composite plates and cylinders. Investigation of size effects and scaling of results with size was a major feature of the program, and five plate sizes and two cylinder sizes were investigated experimen-tally. The results showed good correlation with scaling rules for structural response, and additionally, good agreement between analysis and experiment for dynamic impact. Delamination extent was seen to have an absolute size effect consistent with fracture mechanics, and delamination initiation also appears to have a similar size effect. Fiber fail-ure is seen to be consistent with a fiber strain failure criterion