Strength Loss in Composite Cylinders Under Impact

Abstract

The problem of strength loss in composite structures due to impact appears to be important due to the sensitivity of advanced composites to these loadings. Although a number of studies have been carried out on impact of flat composite plates, relatively little work has been done on tubular geometries such as pressure vessels despite the usage in applications. We have addressed the problem of calculating strength loss due to low velocity, lateral impact of composite cylinders. In our model we use an existing Fourier Series expansion procedure to calculate ply stresses and strains, compare these values with allowables to predict fiber breakage during the impact, and finally use fracture mechanics to predict the strength loss due to the impact. Although the model is quite simplified, the general trends of experiments appear to be represented.