Transient response of stiffened composite plates subjected to low velocity impact

This article deals with the transient response of a stiffened composite plate subjected to low velocity impact. An approximate solution for the prediction of plate response to low velocity impact is presented. This solution includes the combined action of the plate and stiffeners as well as the effects of the contact and transverse shear deformation. A finite element (FE) approach is also proposed. In the FE approach, an impact force function based on Hertz contact law is linked into a commercial FE code, which facilitates the study of a more realistic model. Results predicted by the present solution for a simplified stiffened plate are compared with those by the FE approach for a realistic stiffened plate. Effects of the stiffener spacing and thickness, anisotropic material properties, impact mass and contact stiffness on the impact response are also examined. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.