Modeling the Impact Response of Woven Composites in Arctic Conditions

Abstract

The objective of the research presented in this paper is to investigate the response of woven composites at room and arctic temperatures. Influence of repeated impact is also explored under these conditions. Next, a stratified macro-mechanical model within the finite element method (FEA) framework is developed that is capable of predicting the dynamic impact response of woven composites at low velocities at room and under arctic temperature. The linear elastic properties for the material are first determined by inverse calculation, by matching the the linear region of the force-time graph determined experimentally. Damaging capability in the inter laminar regions is introduced through cohesive laws. An uniform temperature profile on the material is applied to simulate the extended exposure of low temperature on the composite, followed by impact loading to determine the impact response and extent of damage in the material.