Effect of interlaminar toughness on the low‐velocity impact damage in composite laminates

Based on the continuum damage mechanics (CDM) and the cohesive zone model (CZM), a numerical analysis method for the evaluation of damage in composite laminates under low‐velocity impact is proposed. The intraply damage including matrix crack and fiber fracture is represented by the CDM which takes into account the progressive failure behavior in the ply, using the damage variable to describe the intraply damage state. The delamination is characterized by a special contact law including the CZM which takes into account the normal crack and the tangential slip. The effect of the interlaminar toughness on the impact damage is investigated, which is as yet seldom discussed in detail. The results reveal that as the interlaminar fracture toughness enhances, the delamination area and the dissipated energy caused by delamination decrease. The contribution of normal crack and tangential slip to delamination is evaluated numerically, and the later one is the dominant delamination type during the impact process. Meanwhile, the numerical prediction has a good agreement with the experimental results. The study is helpful for the optimal design and application of composite laminates, especially for the design of interlaminar toughness according to certain requirements. POLYM. COMPOS. 37:1085–1092, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers