This paper on "Failure Investigtion of Laminated GRP Composite Plate Subject to Orthogonal Impact Loading" was presented at the NAFEMS World Congress on Design, Simulation & Optimisation: Reliability & Applicability of Computational Methods - 9-11 April 1997, Stuttgart, Germany.

Summary

The transient response and failure of a composite multi-layer laminated plate subject to orthogonal central impact loading is investigated using the Finite Element Method. The modelling and analysis procedures focus on the forces generated by the actual impact. It is found that the pressure distribution at the contacting surfaces is somewhat different from that which results from Hertzian stresses. The procedure models failure by using a direct failure criterion alone or by the introduction of either one or more Coulomb and viscous type sinks to absorb the energy generated from fractures in the internal matrix and from the movement of fibres relative to the matrix respectively. The results of FE analysis show that future improvements in the failure models of composites must focus on the energy dissipation aspects of the process and in particular that which relates to bending and unbending of the failed regions.