Finite element analysis of low-velocity impact damage of stitched laminates

In this work a 3D dynamic finite element method was developed to calculate and study the low-velocity impact damage characteristics of stitched laminates. It was found that through-thickness reinforcement in the form of transverse stitching can significantly improve the resistance to delamination of composite laminates in low-velocity impact. Analytical predictions show that the area of delamination of stitched laminates is about 15% less than that of unstitched laminates, and the numerical results are comparable with the test results. It is shown that this method is very efficient.