Numerical testing and validation of lvi on composite plates

Laminated composite plates are widely used in the aerospace field, the prediction of their residual life is a interesting challenge for research communities. Their structural behaviour could be affected by several rupture mechanisms due to exercise loading conditions. One of the most critical is the low velocities impacts with different impact energies. This paper deals with an experimental test program performed in order to validate a numerical model developed by using finite element method. All experimental tests were carried out under international standard ASTM D7136 while all numerical tests were carried out by use of a worldwide numerical code Abaqus®. Inter-laminar and intra-laminar rupture mechanisms were taken into account and special-purpose elements were used. Rupture criteria were implemented in the numerical models thanks to their functional ease; results of numerical-experimental comparison were presented and discussed.