Comparative numerical and experimental investigation of static and dynamic characteristics of composite plates

In order to investigate both static and dynamic characteristics of composite plates and validate a contemporary, non-invasive experimental technique a comparative experimental and numerical analysis was performed. Three, geometrically the same but different in ply orientation, carbon-epoxy laminates were tested in both healthy and damaged conditions. Damages were inflicted in a shape of horizontal crack. Experiments and numerical simulations were performed by digital image correlation (DIC) and finite element method (FEM), respectively. Obtained time-responses of the tested structures were fast Fourier transformed (FFT) to frequency domain for a clearer understanding of natural frequencies and oscillation modes. Results are presented in tabular and graphical form. The overall correspondence of two sets of structural displacements is satisfactory. Some discrepancies might be contributed to the idealized geometry and restraint consideration. Also, due to the fast damping of higher tones, the errors in determining higher natural frequencies increase but still remain in 5 % range.