A SIMPLE, ELASTOPLASTIC CONTACT LAW FOR COMPOSITES

A simple model is proposed for the static indentation of advanced composite laminates. The model incorporates the salient features of Hertzian contact and includes the effects of plasticity. The model is compared with test data with good results. Additional nonlinearities which are not accounted for in the theoretical development as a result of extensive laminate bending and damage beneath the impactor are noted. The permanent indentation as a result of contact is compared with measured permanent identation with good results. Thus, given a measured damage, estimates of the severity of the contact event may be made.