A numerical/experimental procedure for the assessment of the crash response of composite structures

Abstract

This paper presents a study on CFRP structures crash simulation. The focus is on the implementation of a modelling methodology for applications in automotive and racing fields. As a sample representative of the actual in service condition, the activity is developed on a omega-shaped monolithic specimen. Quasi-static and dynamic compressive tests were carried out and eventually used for the validation of the proposed methodology. In plane tension, compression, and shear laminate properties were measured together with mode I, mixed-mode and mode II toughness to quantify the delamination resistance. In view of the differences seen in the quasi-static and dynamic response of the material, a preliminary investigation on the damage mechanisms is also presented. A careful FE model representative of the specimen was developed and used for the virtual simulation of crash testing. The comparison between experimental and numerical response of the structure under crash loadings provided good agreement.