Nonlinear finite element analysis of composite shell under impact

Large deflection dynamic responses of laminated composite cylindrical shell s under impact are analyzed by the geometrically nonlinear finite element m ethod based on a generalized Sander's shell theory with the first order tra nsverse shear deformation and the von-Karman large deflection assumption. A modified indentation law with inelastic indentation is employed for the co ntact force. The nonlinear finite element equations df motion of shell and an impactor along with the contact laws are solved numerically using Newmar k's time marching integration scheme in conjunction with A kay type success ive iteration in each step. The ply failure region of the laminated shell i s estimated using the Tsai-Wu quadratic interaction criteria. Numerical res ults, including the contact force histories, deflections and strains are pr esented and compared with the ones by linear analysis. The effect of the ra dius of curvature on the composite shelf behaviors is investigated and disc ussed.