Dynamic response of fully-clamped laminated composite plates subjected to low-velocity impact of a mass

A numerical method for the calculation of dynamic response of laminated composite plates under low-velocity impact is proposed. The non-linear, second-order differential governing equations are derived by the Lagrangeʹs principle and the Hertzian contact law. The governing equations are decoupled according to the second-order terms by the method of principal transformation, and then solved numerically. The dynamic response of fully clamped cross and angle ply laminated plates struck by a mass is investigated. The contact force, deformation, energy transferred and stresses in the composite plates are presented. Good agreement is achieved when compared with results available in the literature. © 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.