Damage characterization of fiber reinforced composite subjected to multi-site low velocity impacts

This study investigates the behaviour of T300/YH69 carbon-epoxy laminate composites subjected to multiple low-velocity impacts at five inline impact locations by varying the delay in impact time. Utilizing advanced finite element analysis in ABAQUS, enhanced by custom material modelling via the VUMAT explicit code, we explore the dynamic responses of composite laminates to simultaneous, sequential, and independent impacts at multiple locations. Our research identifies critical factors influencing damage propagation, energy absorption, and structural integrity. We demonstrate that impact spacing and timing significantly affect the laminate’s ability to distribute energy and withstand subsequent impacts. Simultaneous impacts elucidate the worst-case scenario for material failure, highlighting interactions between closely spaced damages. Sequential impacts reveal the importance of temporal delays in material recovery, showing variations in damage progression that affect the laminate’s resilience. Independently timed impacts further our understanding of the laminate’s behaviour under dispersed loading conditions, emphasizing the critical role of recovery time between impacts. This paper offers important insights into the design and maintenance of composite materials subjected to multiple location impacts.