Analysis of fiber reinforced composite plates subjected to transverse impact in the presence of initial stresses

The paper discusses the response of a large uniaxially reinforced graphite/epoxy composite plate with tensile pre-stresses in its plane when it is subjected to transverse impact loading. Sveklo’s contact theory for orthotropic materials has been used to describe the interaction between the plate and the impactor. Both uniaxial and biaxial tensile pre-stresses have been considered and their effects on the contact force, contact duration and the central deflection of the plate have been evaluated. Whereas the effect on the contact force is marginal, the central deflection and the contact duration are influenced significantly by the pre-stresses. The pre-stress transverse to the direction of fibers plays a greater role vis-à-vis the pre-stress parallel to the fibers.