Transient response of stiffened composite plates subjected to low velocityimpact

This article deals with the transient response of a stiffened composite pla te subjected to low velocity impact. An approximate solution for the predic tion of plate response to low velocity impact is presented. This solution i ncludes the combined action of the plate and stiffeners as well as the effe cts of the contact and transverse shear deformation. A finite element (FE) approach is also proposed. In the FE approach, an impact force function bas ed on Hertz contact law is linked into a commercial FE code, which facilita tes the study of a more realistic model. Results predicted by the present s olution for a simplified stiffened plate are compared with those by the FE approach for a realistic stiffened plate. Effects of the stiffener spacing and thickness, anisotropic material properties, impact mass and contact sti ffness on the impact response are also examined. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.