A 3D damage analysis of low-velocity impacts on laminated composites

When subjected to low-velocity impacts, the high damage/sensitivity of carbon/epoxy laminated composites results in localised damage, mainly transverse cracks and delaminations. To be able to assess the critical nature of the induced damage, a thorough description of the damage mechanisms is of primary importance. The challenge here is the prediction of the initiation and the propagation of low-velocity impact-induced damage by the use of damage mechanics. Therefore, a mechanical and numerical model of the damage occurring in laminates, previously defined at Laboratoire de Mecanique et de Technologie (LMT) is updated to this specific type of loading. Preliminary results show a good correlation with accurate experimental measures. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.