Compressive static strength model for impact damaged laminates

A simple analytical model for the prediction of the compressive strength of composite structures with Barely Visible Impact Damage (BVID) subject to static loading is presented. The model represents the complex damage morphology using circular approximations of the damage area and determines a critical interface for propagation of BVID. Results are compared with experimental values for static strength of a variety of examples reported in the literature. For impacts on the skin under a stiffener the model is accurate to within 5% of the reported experimental result. It is demonstrated how the model can be manipulated for use in laminate optimisation for improved damage tolerance.