Simulation of Charpy test for different impact velocities

Abstract

This paper presents how a finite element model of Charpy sample fails when it is hit with an impactor. Studying the step-by-step evolution of failure of polymeric sample allows for establishing stages of the process characterising the Charpy impact, pointing out processes and phenomena that are difficult to be noticed during the actual impact or by investigating the broken pieces. The simulation was run for different impact velocities (1...3 m/s) and the sample material was considered a bilinear orthotropic hardening model. After analysing the images of the simulations, the following conclusions may be formulated. Simulation helps identifying the stages of the material failure. Using the bilinear hardening model for the polymer failure at low impact velocity (1...3 m/s) gave reasonable simulations. The time for failure process is longer at lower speed and the aspect of the failed surface depends on the impact velocity.