A novel elastoplastic impact contact model for thin orthotropic layer

A complex stress state is often an obstacle in obtaining analytical solutions to elastoplastic contact problems of orthotropic structural materials. In this study, an analytical model is presented for investigating the impact contact between a rigid body and a thin orthotropic layer situated on a rigid foundation. By assuming that the local indentation during impact contact is due to the elastoplastic deformation, a theoretical study is carried out to predict the contact response of the orthotropic layer, which obeys an elastic-perfectly plastic stress-strain law. A relationship between contact force and indentation is derived, and the coefficient governing the rebound response is determined. The presented results show generally good agreement with the experimental and numerical results available in the literature. The impact contact model can also be utilized in the impact response analysis of coated structures. Parametric analysis results indicate that the elastic model tends to overestimate the impact resistance of thin layers. The elastoplastic contact law can accurately account for the decrease in contact force due to plastic indentation and permanent deformation. Moreover, the yield strength significantly influences the impact contact time and the permanent indentation deformation of the thin-layer structure.