Polymer-matrix composites subjected to low-velocity impact: effect of laminate configuration

Effect of laminate configuration on the impact behaviour of different polymer-matrix composites subjected to a transverse central low-velocity point impact load has been studied. For this a 3D transient finite-element analysis code using a modified Hertz law has been used. Quadratic failure criteria have been used to predict in-plane and interlaminar failure initiation. The studies have been carried out with plate dimensions of 150 mm×150 mm×6 mm with a simply supported boundary condition. For these studies, an incident impact velocity of 3 m/s and an impactor mass of 50 g have been used. Studies have been carried out on different mixed composites, cross-ply laminates, woven-fabric composites and 3D composites. It is observed that mixing of unidirectional and woven-fabric layers leads to the reduction of the failure function.