Low‐velocity impact behavior of composite laminates based on bio‐inspired stacking sequence

Abstract This work aims to study the effects of bionic spiral stacking sequence, impact energy and impactor shape on the impact resistance of laminates. The finite element model is established based on the stress failure criterion, progressive damage evolution, and the triangle traction‐separation law. The reliability of the finite element model is validated through rigorous comparison with experimental data. The study investigates the influence of laminate layup sequence, impact energy, and impactor shape on the impact resistance of laminates. The results show that during low‐speed impacts, laminate damage is primarily characterized by fiber breakage, matrix cracking, and delamination. Matrix cracking and delamination become more pronounced as the impact energy increases. The design of linear spiral ply and power function spiral ply has a positive effect on the impact resistance of laminates. The impact resistance of laminates is sensitive to the sharpness of the impactor and the level of impact energy. Higher impact energy and sharper impactor shapes lead to increased energy absorption in the laminate, resulting in more pronounced damage failure. Highlights The impact resistance of bionic spiral composite laminates is studied. Three biologically inspired stacking sequences were designed. A numerical simulation method is proposed and verified. The low‐velocity impact characteristics of bionic laminates are revealed.