Scaling effects of composite laminates under out-of-plane loading

The scaling effects of composite laminates under quasi-static indentation and low-velocity impact tests are studied with the aim of reducing the experimental cost of low-velocity impact tests. First, an analytical model is proposed using some equations available in the simplified analytical models in the literature and other equations derived in this work to predict the quasi-static indentation response during the elastic and delamination regime up to fiber failure. The model is able to predict the load-displacement response and delamination area. Finally, the effect of scaling the geometrical parameters such as in-plane dimension and shape, thickness of the laminate, thickness of the plies and indenter radius is analyzed. This scaling approach is developed based on the presented analytical model and the experimental results available in the literature. As a result, it is possible to predict the response of large structures under impact loads by testing small coupons under static indentation test.