Low-velocity impact predictions of composite laminates using a continuum shell based modeling approach part A: Impact study

This paper introduces a shell based finite element (FE) model for predicting the impact response and dominant failure mechanisms of fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites subject to low-velocity impact. The model utilizes Enhanced Schapery Theory (EST) for capturing the matrix non-linearity due to micro cracking as well as macroscopic intra-lamina failure, that is, matrix cracking and fiber rupture in the 1–2 failure plane of a lamina....