Abstract：This paper presents the results of numerical investigation concerning span on the responses and damage of composite laminates subjected to low-velocity impact. Three full 3-D composite laminate models of different span are developed using ABAQUS finite element code. Impact responses and damage of these composite laminates under large-mass impact and intermediate-mass impact are investigated. In the large-mass impact, the response of composite laminates is quasi-static, and the influences of span on the peak contact force, the impact duration and delamination are simple and evident. While in the intermediate-mass impact, the responses of the laminate are complex, because the vibrations of the plate are significant and result in the separation of impactor and plate. Special analysis should be taken out for such problems. The influence of mass level on the impact responses are analyzed with ratio between fundamental vibration period and contact duration.
2013, Vol. 34 
