EFFECTS OF STACKING-SEQUENCE ON THE IMPACT RESISTANCE IN COMPOSITE LAMINATES - PART 1 - PARAMETRIC STUDY

A study was undertaken to determine the effects of key stacking sequen ce parameters on the impact damage resistance in composite laminates. A finite element model using linear, quasi-static analysis was develop ed to analyse the internal stress state in the laminate and predict de lamination damage. The model was found capable of predicting the relat ive damage trends with respect to changes in stacking sequence. Three parameters were studied: interface angle, ply orientation relative to a fixed axis, and ply grouping. Each parameter was found to affect the damage resistance differently. Guidelines to improve the impact damag e resistance are proposed based on the results of the study. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.