Impact behaviour of laminated composite stiffened clamped conoidal shell roof by finite element

Abstract

Abstract Laminated composite has been discovered and adopted as a result of the hunt towards smarter materials. It has excellent stiffness to weight ratio and has gained mass popularity. However, due to the existence of two or more materials in a single domain, mathematical modelling of composite materials is a complex process. Despite having a wide range of benefits, laminated composites are susceptible to damage from impacts due its low transverse shear capacity. These impacts can cause tearing up of fibres which remains suppressed inside the lamina and can cause complete collapse. Furthermore, depending on the velocity of impact, significant deformation is caused in the shells. Stiffeners, hence become unavoidable in these cases. Application of proper contact law is essential for impact analysis. Classical contact law as proposed by Hertz is applicable for isotropic materials proved to be insufficient in case of laminated composite materials. Power impact law as proposed by Tan and Chen has been implemented and successfully applied by various researchers. The present study is an attempt to optimize the most favourable position of stiffener on a conoidal shell with complex clamped boundary conditions. Conclusions of engineering significance with respect to impact load, deformation, stress and strain generated are drawn at the end of this comparative parametric study.