Delamination growth analysis in composite laminates subjected to low velocity impact

This paper presents a high accuracy Finite Element approach for delamination modelling in laminated composite structures. This approach uses multi-layered shell element and cohesive zone modelling to handle the mechanical properties and damages characteristics of a laminated composite plate under low velocity impact. Both intralaminar and interlaminar failure modes, which are usually observed in laminated composite materials under impact loading, were addressed. The detail of modelling, energy absorption mechanisms, and comparison of simulation results with experimental test data were discussed in detail. The presented approach was applied for various models and simulation time was found remarkably inexpensive. In addition, the results were found to be in good agreement with the corresponding results of experimental data. Considering simulation time and results accuracy, this approach addresses an efficient technique for delamination modelling, and it could be followed by other researchers for damage analysis of laminated composite material structures subjected to dynamic impact loading.