Energy absorption in composite laminates under impact loading

The impact behaviour of composite laminates under low velocity impact load is investigated by considering the influence of stacking sequence and laminate thickness in terms of contact loads, absorbed energy and delamination extent. After a detailed analysis of impact induced damage evolution, a new methodology for the assessment of the energy absorption capability of composite laminates is proposed. The new approach allows the definition of an empirical master curve suitable to summarise the impact data independently of material system, laminate thickness and lay-up.