Damage Prediction of Graphite/Epoxy Composite Laminates Subjected to Low Velocity Impact

This study investigates the damage prediction graphite/epoxy composite laminates during low-velocity impact scenario. The energy absorption process is examined using a numerical model, which accurately captures the transition of impactor kinetic energy into laminate damage mechanisms such as intralaminar and interlaminar damage, delamination, and friction. Analytical and numerical results show close agreement, with slight variations in energy absorption and rebound velocity due to damage dissipation. The ricochet phase highlights energy transfer back to the impactor, with partial dissipation due to damage mechanisms reducing rebound velocity. The force-time history demonstrates oscillatory behaviour linked to delamination onset and fibre fractures, with good numerical-analytical agreement for the progression of intralaminar damage. Deviations during the ricochet phase arise from dynamic forces due to delaminated ply interactions. The result conclusively indicates that laminate stacking sequence and thickness influence both matrix cracking and the resultant delamination damages. This comprehensive analysis validates the predictive capability of numerical models in simulating composite impact behaviour.