Response of plate and shell structures due to low velocity impact

The dynamic response of isotropic and laminated composite plate and shell structures under low velocity impact have been investigated using nine-node degenerated shell elements with assumed shear and membrane strain fields to model the target. The effects of large displacement and change in thickness have been included during the formulation process of the shell element. The incremental form of governing equations is formulated based on the Updated Lagrangian approach where the effects of geometric nonlinearities as well as permanent deformation of target are accounted for. Both the Hertzian contact law and experimental indentation law are incorporated into the finite element program to establish the contact force history. Numerical examples on isotropic and composite laminated plate and shell structures under low velocity impact are presented.