6 - Computationally efficient modeling of woven composites under uniaxial stress

Abstract

In this study, a finite element model of carbon fiber-reinforced composite subjected to high-velocity impact loading with uniaxial loading acting on the target plate was developed. Various uniaxial loadings or pretensions were applied to the target plate to investigate its ballistic limit and impact response under high-velocity impact. A hemispherical projectile was used and the carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) target plate was discretized by using a continuum shell element. Hashin's failure criterion was used to model the damage and the finite element model was run in Abaqus/Explicit. Four pretensions were applied to the target plate, which were 0% (no pretension), 10%, 30%, and 50% of the ultimate strength of CFRP. Comparison between experimental results from a previous study and the simulated finite element results in terms of ballistic limits and residual velocity indicated the reliability of this finite element model. The finite element results showed that the presence of pretension significantly affected the ballistic limit, residual velocity, impact force, and the mode of failure. By adding 50% pretension, the ballistic limit was reduced approximately by 40% when compared to the nonpretension target plate.