Simulation of ballistic impact on polymer matrix composite panels

Composite panels, for example fuselage skins or wing skins of military aircraft, may be
subjected to a variety of ballistic impacts. It is meaningful to understand the mechanical
response, damage evolution and residual velocity of a projectile for panels under ballistic
impact. In this paper, the numerical simulation method of ballistic impact on a laminated
composite panel is considered. A rate-dependent material model based on the continuum
damage mechanics concept is developed for polymer matrix composite materials. A full
three-dimensional finite element model implemented with the material model is built up
using material subroutine. The ballistic impact behavior is simulated employing an explicit
dynamic finite element analysis technique. The effects of projectile size and velocity, layup
of the composite panel, and failure criteria used on the ballistic impact response are
investigated.