IMPACT PRODUCED STRESS WAVES IN COMPOSITES

The Nonhomogenized Dynamic Method of Cells (NHDMOC) is used to study t he propagation of stress waves through laminates. The accuracy of the theory is tested by applying it to a plate-impact experiment and check ing its ability to resolve a propagating shock wave front. The theory is then compared to Lagrangian hydrodynamic calculations, where it is found that the NHDMOC consistently requires less fine spatial and temp oral grids, and less artificial viscosity to control numerical noise. The theory is then used to treat the impact of an epoxy-graphite bilam inate. When the viscoelastic properties of the epoxy are accounted for , the theory agrees well with the experiment.