Reliability of composite structures — impact loading

The aim of this paper is to propose a method to study the response of laminated composite structures under impact loading. The importance of the mass, velocity of the striker and the dimensions of the composite structure is shown for different responses such as the contact force between the striker and the composite structure, the displacement of the projectile, and the damage within the composite structure. The proposed method is based on an experimental design technique. Some examples are proposed to illustrate how the technique allows us to improve our understanding of the behaviour of impacted composite structures.