An impact contact model for laminates

Contact modeling is considered a critical step in analyzing the impact resistance of a structure. The classic Hertzian model has been widely used for semi-infinite plane contacts. However, for cases where local indentation and structure deformation are of the same magnitude, the global deformation of the structure cannot often be ignored. In addition, the impact body not only causes the overall bending deformation of the structure but also triggers the propagation of bending waves. This is not considered by the previously published classic contact models. This work proposes an impact contact model for laminated structures, taking a laminated plate as an illustrative example. The coupling effects of local indentation, bending wave propagation, and overall deformation of the component are taken into account. The relation between the contact force and indentation is derived in explicit form by using Laplace transform approach. The contact force and indentation time history curves are given to discuss the influence of bending wave propagation on the impact response of the members. The results show that dissipation significantly affects the impact response of the laminates. It may overestimate the impact resistance of structures due to ignoring this effect. The instantaneous velocity and deformation of the plate at the time of detachment of the impactor have a significant effect on the post-impact vibration.