Experimental-numerical-virtual (ENV) modelling technique for composite structure against low velocity impacts

•Experimental-numerical-virtual modelling technique against impact loading is freshly developed.•A unified non-deterministic impact damage verification and prediction approach is presented.•The novel surrogate model is used for a time-dependent damage diagnosis-prognosis loop.•Experiments and numerical simulations are calibrated with ENV modelling.•ENV model predicts real-time loading response and intralaminar damage of FRP composite.