A Model for Predicting Damage in Graphite/Epoxy Laminated Composites Resulting from Low-Velocity Point Impact

An investigation was performed to study the impact damage of graphite/epoxy laminated composites caused by a low-velocity foreign object. The impact damage in terms of matrix cracking and delaminations resulting from a point-nose impac tor was the primary concern. A model was developed for predicting the initiation of the damage and the extent of the final damage as a function of material properties, laminate configuration and the impactor's...