Multi-Impact Response of Composite Laminates With Open Holes

The multi-impact response of glass-epoxy composite laminates with open holes was studied. For this purpose, plates without any hole and containing one or two holes were tested under low velocity multi-impact loading to assess the influence of holes on the damage development. Experimentally, it was verified that the maximum load and the dissipated energy decrease with the number of impacts, while the displacement increases for all cases. In addition, the presence of holes revealed to have an important influence on those parameters. A three-dimensional finite element analysis including a cohesive mixed-mode damage model was also performed to better evaluate the interaction between the resulting delamination and the presence of holes. It was observed that the existence of holes alters the delamination profile and contributes to increase its size especially in the case of two holes. It was concluded that special attention should be given to structural applications requiring open holes and eventually submitted to impact loads. (C) 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers