Analytical approaches to compression after impact (CAI) behavior of carbon fiber-reinforced composite materials

Analytical efforts to understand problems involving compression after impact (CAI) are reviewed. A theoretical solution of beam plate modeling is introduced to understand the buckling of multiple delaminated plates. Numerical efforts on CAI-related matters for rectangular plates are then briefly described to show the difficulties in evaluating the effects of the various factors on the compressive properties of impact-damaged laminates. Also, the reason for the simplification of the double-spiral damage to multiple circular delaminations is briefly explained from a mechanical viewpoint. Analytical schemes to evaluate the compressive strength of the impact-damaged laminates are introduced based on fracture mechanics. The accuracy and meaning of the solutions are discussed by comparing the present solutions with finite element analysis results.