Three-dimensional variational impact contact analysis of composite bars and plates

Three-dimensional (3D) variational dynamic contact analysis approach is developed for predicting 3D transient deformation of composite plates exposed to a rigid body impact. The Hamilton variational principle is applied using the Bernstein basis functions of an arbitrary degree for the displacement approximation in the three coordinate directions. The Lagrange multiplier technique is employed in the formulation of the variational dynamic contact problem. The developed computational algorithm and computer code is validated on the example problems of a longitudinal impact on bi-material composite prismatic rectangular bar and transverse impact on rectangular composite plates. A comparison of the impact performance of 3D woven and traditional laminated composite plates is presented.