Abstract
This study presents the development of an analytical model for the dynamic response of a structure subjected to low velocity impact up to first global damage. The model is based on the thick anisotropic plate theory developed by Reddy and Pagano, which takes into account through thickness shear. An indentation law as proposed by Hertz is used to model the local response under the impacter. This is identified from quasi-static indentation tests. A numerical temporal integration allows the contact force, the displacement and the strains to be calculated at any time by combining the local indentation and global dynamic response of the structure. The validation of the model is carried out by comparing the predictions with results obtained from instrumented drop weight impact tests.