Experimental and numerical investigation on the compression after high-velocity impact behavior of composite laminates

Abstract

Considering the differences in damage mechanism between high-velocity impact (HVI) and low-velocity impact (LVI), this study conducted HVI tests and compression-after-impact (CAI) tests to reveal the post-impact compression behavior of laminates manufactured by unidirectional prepreg tape and exposed a completely different mechanical response in residual strength compared to that of LVI. By controlling the impact velocity within the range of 200 m/s ̃ 380 m/s, three kinds of impact results were obtained, including un-penetrated and penetrated conditions. Different CAI damage morphologies can be observed in these laminates. In order to fully understand the CAI damage mechanism induced by different HVI events, a surface-based cohesive behavior and a CDM intralaminar damage model were implemented. In addition, a more complete picture of the compression behavior after HVI was observed through the simulation results, which is of great help in estimating the residual strength of post-impact laminates. However, the HVI damage was introduced through the spherical steel projectiles, and the sample size was determined based on ASTM D7137, which might be different factors from the application conditions.