Modelling Low Velocity Impact on Structural Composites

Abstract

Insertion of composite materials into next generation vehicles requires an understanding of their response over the range of relevant loading conditions encountered in the field. This paper focuses on modelling the low velocity, high energy impact on structural composite materials. An experimental procedure, using the four quadrant impact methodology, is presented to characterize composite material response and damage during these events. A model is developed and verified (within 9% for peak force and peak deflection) to predict the composite response to low velocity, high energy events. The model is then exercised to gain a deeper understanding about how mechanical and damage properties influence the structural response of the composite. The model was most sensitive to delamination failure stress, which changed the damage area by a factor of 8 over the range of values examined. Through investigating the effect of boundary conditions, a 67% increase in peak force was found by switching from simply supported to clamped. This work demonstrates a first level analysis and model to predict the composite response to low velocity, high energy loading conditions.