This article provides test/model dialogue of impact on composite laminates at low and medium impact velocity. An experimental setup featuring a compressed air cannon launches projectiles at composite laminates, while high-speed imaging, load measurement, and infrared thermography enable in-situ damage monitoring. Numerical simulations employ the Discrete Ply Model (DPM) to analyze the impact events and damage evolution. The study examines various impact parameters, such as projectile energy, velocity, and impact location, to assess their effects on structural response and damage mechanisms. Experimental results highlight the effectiveness of these techniques in capturing the dynamic behavior and quantifying damage from impacts. Numerical simulations offer insights into damage mechanisms, including delamination, matrix cracking, and fiber breakage, as well as their interactions. The findings elucidate damage formation during single impact and emphasize the significance of spatial impact distribution and local bending stiffness in understanding damage patterns. Validation of the numerical model against experimental results confirms its predictive capabilities, showcasing its potential for virtual testing and parametric studies. By integrating the strengths of both approaches, this article enhances understanding of the single impact behavior of composite structures, providing a valuable experimental and numerical database for researchers to test and validate their models, ultimately paving the way for improved design and performance in engineering applications.
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