The failure mechanism of curved composite laminates subjected to low-velocity impact

Four panels with a semicircular arch structure comprised of glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) laminates are subjected to low-velocity impact, compression-after-impact (CAI), and quasi-static compression tests. Mechanical response and the failure mechanism of the complex structure are investigated with the assistance of a three-dimensional digital image correlation (3D-DIC) system and numerical simulation based on Hashin's failure criteria in Abaqus software. The results show that the addition of a semicircular arch can absorb more incident energy during the impact process. The failure modes of the panels are depended on the semicircular arch dimension, and excellent anti-impact performance is found in the semicircular arch with a diameter close to the impactor. Meanwhile, the CAI strength is increased with the semicircular arch size.