Theoretical approach to predict transverse impact response of variable-stiffness curved composite plates

This research studies the low velocity impact behaviour of variable stiffness curved composite plates. Since variable thickness within composite structures is recognised as an important factor on the performance of the structures, significant mathematical modelling to predict the impact response of these types of structure is essential. Varying thicknesses of sections is widely found in aerospace and automotive composite sub structures. It has been observed that changing of geometry of these sections can vary the dynamic response of anisotropic composite structures under a range of monolithic and dynamic loading conditions. Here we have used first order shear deformation theory to predict the contact force history of curved composite plates and the same approach was used for variable thickness composite plates, which provides the main novelty of this research. It was shown that the model developed here is capable of successfully predicting the response of variable stiffness composite plates with a range of layups and geometry designs under impact loading conditions.