Experimental-numerical investigation of impact-induced failure in layered composites.

In this work we provide an experimental-numerical investigation of impact-induced failure of layered composites. An experimental campaign, consisting of multiple drop tests, was performed to determine the delamination threshold (in the low-velocity regime) and to assess how, beyond this limit, failure mode is affected by the impact energy. A three-dimensional finite element model of the laminated composite was built; in the numerical model complex delamination events are simulated by means of a rate-dependent damage interface law. Numerical simulations of the whole impact event are directly compared to experimental results and then critically discussed.