Prediction of the Compresion-After-Impact Strength of Thin-Skin Stiffened Composite Panels

Abstract

The compressive response of thin-skin stiffened composite panels with low velocity impact damage is examined. The finite element method together with the Soutis-Fleck fracture mechanics model is used to predict damage initiation in the form of fibre microbuckling in the 0° plies, propagation and final failure; in the model the impact damage is replaced with an equivalent circular or elliptical open hole. Theoretical results are compared to experimental data and found in good agreement.

Compressive fracture of layered composites caused by internal instability

“…Redrawn from Greenhalgh et al (1996). Greenhalgh et al (1996) example, see Zhuk, Soutis, and Guz (2000), , Zhuk et al (2002) and . In both models, a value for the unnotched compressive strength is required, which can be estimated by using a fibre instability model based on a 3-D stability theory of deformable bodies (Guz, 1999).…”