High velocity impact response of 3D hybrid woven composites

Abstract

The aim of this work is to develop an efficient numerical model which can predict the behavior of 3D hybrid woven composites under high velocity impact by utilizing the inbuilt constitutive and damage models within the finite element software. To predict the constitutive and damage behavior of composites during the high velocity impact process, a combination of cohesive contact and continuum shell elements is proposed in finite element (FE) model. Delamination behavior is characterized by introducing the cohesive contact between the two adjacent laminas using the traction separation law, while damage, induced during the impact process in each single layer of composite laminate, is depicted by continuum shell elements with Hashin failure criterion. Connector elements containing the failure behavior are introduced into the model to represent the z-yarns of the 3d woven composite. The proposed FE model reveals good capturing of damage phenomenon during the impact process and indicates good agreement with experimental results, making it a valuable tool for characterizing the impact response of 3D hybrid woven composites under high velocity impacts.