Dynamic response of fully-clamped laminated composite plates subjected to low-velocity impact of a mass

A numerical method for the calculation of dynamic response of laminated composite plates under low-velocity impact is proposed. The non-linear, second-order differential governing equations are derived by the Lagrange's principle-and the Hertzian contact law. The governing equations are decoupled according to the second-order terms by the method of principal transformation, and then solved numerically. The dynamic response of fully clamped cross and angle ply laminated plates struck by a mass is investigated. The contact force, deformation, energy transferred and stresses in the composite plates are presented. Good agreement is achieved when compared with results available in the literature. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.