Impact Induced Fracture in a Laminated Composite

Experimental data of the three dimensional problem of impact of a flat strip by a spherical impactor are presented and interpreted qualitatively by comparison with a plane-strain numerical analysis of an infinitely wide plate impacted by a cylindrical im pactor. The role of transverse shear stress in proximal and middle layer crack initiation is established. A detail presentation of damage is provided with exact delamination zones. The basic conclusions drawn establish a basis for further research in under standing impact induced fracture in composites.