A simple model to predict residual velocities of thick composite laminates subjected to high velocity impact

A punch curve was used as the ''structural constitutive model'' that captures the highly nonlinear behavior of the laminate in the penetration process. This model in conjunction with a special two-noded ring element based on the Mindlin thick plate theory was employed to model damage processes during static and dynamic penetration. Different criteria for initiation of damage and plug formation were investigated, and the damage initiation and progression in the target and its effect on the dynamic response were estimated. The model predicts the residual velocity of the projectile at the end of the penetration process. The predicted residual velocities show good agreement with the experimental residual velocities for a range of striking velocities near and above the ballistic penetration limit velocity of the target.