DYNAMIC RESPONSE AND DAMAGE OF A GRAPHITE/EPOXY LAMINATE TO HARD OBJECT IMPACT
Abstract
Statically determined contact laws for a graphite/epoxy laminate and elastic spheres have been incorporated into a beam finite element program and a plate finite element program for impact analyses. The contact force and dynamic strain response histories were investigated under various impact conditions. The finite element solutions were found to agree with the experimental results reasonably well. It was also found that for thin laminate strips with a small width, plate finite elements should be used for more accurate results. The reductions in strength and fatigue life of the laminate after impact were also investigated. The energy dissipated during the impact at the contact zone was calculated using the contact law. This energy was used to gauge the damage received by the laminate.
Degree
Ph.D.
Subject Area
Mechanics
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