Non-linear low velocity impact responses of composite conoidal panels

Abstract

In various industrial applications, composite curved panels are preferred as these are lightweight and stiffer than flat ones. Naturally, such panels are advantageous for marine, aerospace and civil structures. The vibration performances of curved structures can be significantly improved by integrating efficient structural designs with advanced composite materials. The high strength to weight ratio of composites leads to economic constructions. The composite curved panels can get impacted by water/wind borne debris, ice in cold climatic conditions and drop hammer conditions during service. Since moderately thin surfaces can experience large amplitudes of vibrations even during low velocity impact, it is essential to incorporate geometrically non-linear strains. The review of literature highlights that composite conoidal panels were studied for industrially important parameters but there is gap in research studies on relative impact performances using geometric non-linearity. The present paper aims to work on this area and proposes a numerical code which integrates von-Karman strains, constant shear deformation along thickness direction, and eight-noded curved elements to ensure C0 continuity. Newton-Raphson iteration solves the non-linear problems at each time. The contact forces are computed through modified Hertzian contact law. Time dependent equations are solved by Newmark's average acceleration algorithm. This study reports deflections of centrally impacted clamped panels for varying speed of impactor and laminations. © 2026 selection and editorial matter, N V R Naidu, K R V Subramanian, Nagaraju Kottam and G N Anil Kumar, individual chapters, the contributors.