Analysis of laminated composite plates with fluid–structure interaction using multiscale modeling technique

Abstract

A series of numerical modeling and simulations were conducted to understand the dynamic response and failure of a laminated composite plate which was supported by water and subjected to dynamic loading. The structure was modelled using the plate/shell finite elements with displacements degrees of freedom only. The water medium was stationary and modelled as an acoustic domain using the cellular automata technique. The two analysis techniques were coupled for fluid–structure interaction (FSI). Composite materials were modelled using the multiscale approach. The constituent material-based failure criteria (i.e. in terms of fiber, matrix, and fiber/matrix interface failures) were used to predict failure of the fibrous composite. Failure of the same composite plate was investigated and compared when the plate was supported by water or not to understand the effect of the FSI between the composite plates and water on the dynamic response and failure. The numerical study showed that the dynamic response and failure of the composite plate were very dependent on FSI, and the numerical study qualitatively confirmed previous experimental studies.