Abstract
This document gives an overview of various aspects of modelling impact on fibre reinforced polymer composite laminates. The literature has shown that is it possible to simulate transient low-velocity impact events on composite laminates by using the explicit finite element method together with physically based constitutive models which take into account the progressive failure behaviour of fibres, matrix and interfaces between plies. This state-of-the-art report covers various criteria for prediction of intra-ply failure, continuum damage mechanics approaches for modelling of progressive degradation of ply properties, as well as classical fracture mechanics approaches to model delamination.
