On the Prediction of Tensile Strength after Impact of Composite Laminates

Abstract

A new approach to the prediction of tensile strength after impact is presented. The method is based on the premises that the stress concentration associated with the constraint of the undamaged material around the impacted region dominates the remaining strength calculation and that the physical parameter that enters the model should be the size and shape of the damage region. The damaged area resulting from impact was used to evaluate the reduction in the compliance properties of the inclusion. The predictions were made by using a closed-form solution for an infinite plate containing an elliptical inclusion and by invoking an average stress criterion applied at the ply level. The laminates studied were [0/±45/90]2s, [0/±450/0]2s, and [(0/90)4]s.