A three-dimensional modelling of low velocity impact damage in composite laminates

Abstract

The modelling of the behaviour of laminates during low velocity impact requires, first, an analysts of the efficiency of the numerical tool used. A logical development in relation 10 the numerical structure of the code and the experimental observation is proposed. Four aspects of the code implementation are discussed The first one is the representation of the impact loading by a macro-contact model using the Lagrange multiplier technique. The second is the development of this technique on the meso-scale to represent the assembly of plies of the laminate. The third step is the modelling of the evolution of the non homogeneous cracked state in the composite with an averaging technique, based on the Laws-Dvorak-Hejazi model developed on the finite element scale. The fourth step is the modelling of the delamination between plies as a lack of contact set off by a mixed criterion matrix-cracking/interfacial forces. Numerical results on a glass-epoxy [02/906/02] laminate impacted at 27 J are m a good agreement with experimental observations.