ИСТИНА

The method for numerical estimation of low velocity impact damage and residual strength of composite materials after impact is proposed. The modeling technique is based on the ply-by-ply failure and delamination analysis with subsequent averaging procedure for the residual stress and crack growth calculation by FEA. The method allows obtaining the damage distribution parameters within plies and through the thickness of the composite lay-up to calculate stiffness degradation, size and location of delamination areas. An application of this technique to assessment of the residual strength allows avoiding excessive conservatism in the design strength analysis of composite structures subjected to low velocity impact.