IMPACT ANALYSIS OF LAMINATED COMPOSITE PLATES AND SHELLS BY SUPER FINITE-ELEMENTS

A super finite element method that exhibits coarse-mesh accuracy is us ed to predict the transient response of laminated composite plates and cylindrical shells subjected to non-penetrating impact by projectiles . The governing equations are based on the classical theories of thin laminated plates and shells taking into account the von Karman kinemat ics assumptions for moderately large deflections. A non-linear Hertzia n-type contact law accounting for curvatures of the colliding bodies i s adopted to calculate the impact force. The theoretical basis of the present finite element model is verified by analysing impact-loaded la minated composite plate and shell structures that have previously been studied through analytical or other numerical procedures. The predict ive capability of the present numerical approach is successfully demon strated through comparisons between experimentally-measured and comput ed force-time histories for impact of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) plates. The current computational model offers a relatively sim ple and efficient means of predicting the structural impact response o f laminated composite plates and shells. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier S cience Ltd.