A SIMPLE-MODEL TO PREDICT RESIDUAL VELOCITIES OF THICK COMPOSITE LAMINATES SUBJECTED TO HIGH-VELOCITY IMPACT

A punch curve was used as the ''structural constitutive model'' that c aptures the highly nonlinear behavior of the laminate in the penetrati on process. This model in conjunction with a special two-noded ring el ement based on the Mindlin thick plate theory was employed to model da mage processes during static and dynamic penetration. Different criter ia for initiation of damage and plug formation were investigated, and the damage initiation and progression in the target and its effect on the dynamic response were estimated. The model predicts the residual v elocity of the projectile at the end of the penetration process. The p redicted residual velocities show good agreement with the experimental residual velocities for a range of striking velocities near and above the ballistic penetration limit velocity of the target.