Composite Impact

Abstract

This article outlines the fundamental issues involved in the investigations of composite materials that are subjected to impact loading. It addresses experimental techniques, numerical analysis, and composite response. In experimental techniques, low velocity impact, ballistic impact, crash impact, and blast impact are presented, while finite element method is the dominant subject for numerical analysis. Impact characteristics, damage process, delamination, and residual strength are of primary concerns of composite materials subjected to impact. Some suggested readings are also included at the end of the article.