Validation of a numeric approach for modelling delamination damage caused by low energy impact

Abstract

A numerical approach has been developed for modelling the behaviour of a carbon fibre woven laminate under low-level energy impact. The model results have been compared with dart drop tests under sub and supercritical impact energies in fibre carbon textile laminates of different thickness.The models were developed using Ls-Dyna explicit finite element code. The validation approach was based in increasingly complexity approach. First models were developed and compared with subcritical impact energy test. Afterwards, supercritical impact energy has been applied in the laminates and delamination failure has been considered. In order to model delamination damage, cohesive law has been applied using Ls-Dyna cohesive and contact elements. The validation of the model has been carried out by comparing force and displacements.