Dynamic Response and Damage Mechanism of CFRP Composite Laminates Subjected to Underwater Impulsive Loading

CFRP composite laminates have been widely used in shipbuilding and marine engineering fields, but there is currently a lack of comparative analysis of their blast resistance and dynamic performance under different anisotropic and load conditions. This study aims to characterize the damage response of thick composite laminates with different impact strengths, layer orientations, and laminate thicknesses under water-based explosive loads. By conducting underwater impact tests on laminated panels and combining fluid structure coupling simulations, the study focuses on understanding the deformation and failure mechanisms and quantifying the damage caused by structural properties and loading rates. The results show that while composite laminates show elastic deformation and high recoverability, they are susceptible to matrix tensile damage, particularly at edges and centers. This study reveals that maximum out-of-plane displacement is proportional to impact intensity, while damage dissipation energy is quadratically related. Optimal ply orientations can reduce anisotropy and mitigate damage. Increasing laminate thickness from 3 mm to 8 mm reduces the maximum out-of-plane displacement by 32%, with diminishing returns observed beyond 6 mm thickness. This research offers valuable insights for optimizing composite laminate design to enhance impact resistance and efficiency.