Abstract
Response of fiberglass epoxy composite laminates under low velocity impact loading is investigated using LS-DYNA®, and the results are compared with experimental analysis performed using an instrumented impact test setup (Instron dynatup 8250). The composite laminates are manufactured using H-VARTM© process with basket weave E-Glass fabrics. Epon 862 is used as a resin system and Epicure-W as a hardening agent. Composite laminates, with 10 layers of fiberglass fabrics, are modeled using 3D solid elements in a mosaic fashion to represent basket weave pattern. Mechanical properties are calculated by using classical micromechanical theory and assigned to the elements using ORTHOTROPIC ELASTIC material model. The damage occurred since increasing impact energy is incorporated using ADVANCED COMPOSITE DAMAGE material model in LS-DYNA®. Good agreements are obtained with the failure damage results in LS-DYNA® and experimental results. Main considerations for comparison are given to the impact load carrying capacity and the amount of impact energy absorbed by the laminates.
Highlights
Fiber-reinforced composite materials are extensively used in modern aerospace industry because of their low specific weight with high specific modulus
Comparative plots of experimental and LS-DYNA results for E-Glass/Epoxy laminates under six different impact energy levels are reported
We found that the Enhanced Composite Damage Model (Material model 22 in LS-DYNA ) gives superior results for mosaic model
Summary
Fiber-reinforced composite materials are extensively used in modern aerospace industry because of their low specific weight with high specific modulus. In broad sense the study of low-velocity impact loading on a composite material is divided in three categories, (1) experimental study, (2) analytical study, where a failure model of composite material is proposed, and (3) numerical analysis, mainly using finite element analysis. Numerous experimental research efforts have been carried out to understand the behavior of composites under low velocity impact applications. Many researchers proposed analytical models for progressive damage in fiber-reinforced composite laminates. Apart from these experimental and analytical studies, several numerical simulation approaches are presented. Mikkor et al [17] presented finite element model to study the impact behavior of preloaded composites panels. In the present study a finite element approach has been used to model the tenlayered composite laminates using model builder VPG and solved using LS-DYNA solver. The 10 ply E-glass epoxy laminates have been modeled, and their impact behavior is compared with the experimental results for six different energy levels
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