Stacking sequence design of composite thin-walled structure based on low energy impact damage resistance

An effective method was established for damage analysis of composite laminated plate. Improved Chang/Chang failure criterion including all kinds of damage forms was used to model in-plate damage. TIEBREAK contact equivalent of Mixed-Mode cohesive zone model was used for modeling the regions between two layers. From composite thin-walled structure design requirement, three parameters of stacking sequence affecting impact damage resistance under low energy impact were studied with the numerical method, i.e, interface angel, ply orientation and ply grouping. After general study of the effects of stacking sequence on the impact resistance, some design guidelines to improve the impact damage resistance of composite plates were given, and the stacking sequence of a composite laminated plate was redesigned according to the guidelines. The finite element analysis shows that the guidelines are feasible and valid.