Optimizing damage resistance of composite under low-velocity impact based on the application of solid-shell coupling model

For optimizing damage resistance of composite laminates under impact, a method of optimization based on solid-shell coupling finite element(FE) model was presented. Solid element was used to simulate the impact region, and shell element was used in the other region of the laminates in the model. They were connected by coupling constraint. A damage variable related to the number of fiber orientations was developed in the application of progressive damage material constitutive relationship. Optimization was implemented by genetic algorithm. Effectiveness of the damage resistance optimization method was demonstrated by classical examples. Ply stacking method of composite wing-box panel aiming at impact damage resistance was optimized. Results indicate that the method of genetic algorithm optimization based on solid-shell coupling model is highly efficient and well convergent. The performance of laminates against impact loading was improved.