The nonlinear dynamic behavior of graphite/epoxy laminated composite subjected to low-velocity impact is investigated using a finite element method. Dynamic von-Karman plate equations considering large deflection of plate are modified to include the effect of transverse shear deformations as in Mindlin plate theory and also the rotary inertia effect is considered. In the finite element analysis, the Newmark constant-acceleration time integration algorithm is used. For an efficient and accurate iteration, Akay's scheme is used. An experimentally established contact law through the statical indentation test is incorporated into the present finite element program. The geometrical boundary condition of the plate is simply supported or fixed.
Present results are compared with the published experimental and numerical results. Also the impact responses including the contact force histories, dynamic deflections, and dynamic strains are compared to each other between from the nonlinear analysis and from the linear analysis. The effects of impact velocity and mass of the impactor on the response of laminate are discussed for various impact energy levels.
