Identification of pulse shapes during transverse impact on composite beams and plates

A test facility for transverse shock loading of beams and plates at small impact velocities (up to 40 km/sec) is described. The impact contact force and unsteady strains are determined for a transverse impact on fiber-layered beams and plates from fiberglass and carbon fiber-reinforced plastic. Pulse shapes are determined for various impact velocities in the range of 5–40 m/sec. The shock loading and unsteady strain of composite beams and plates are calculated by the finite element method. The finite elements take into account transverse shears according to the Timoshenko theory and the viscoelastic material behavior according to the Voigt model.