Abstract: A compressive strength study of composite laminates after low-velocity impact has been conducted. Thedamaged area due to the low-velocity impact is considered as a circular inhomogeneity. The residual stiffness of theimpacting damaged area is predicted by using finite element modeling and experimental data of load/ displacement .The post-impact compressive strength of laminates can be obtained based on the finite element analysis and the maximum stress criterion. The estimated post-impact compressive strength is in good agreement with the experimentalresults for the considered composite laminates.

Key words: composite laminates, low velocity impact, residual compressive strength, res idual stiffness, finite element analysis, experimental results