Computer modelling of impact on curved fibre composite panels

• Published in: Composite structures Vol. 47; no. 1; pp. 789 - 796
• Main Authors: Leylek, Zafer, Scott, Murray L., Georgiadis, Steve, Thomson, Rodney S.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01-12-1999; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Composite solids; Computer modeling and simulation; Computers in experimental physics; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Deformation and plasticity (including yield, ductility, and superplasticity); Exact sciences and technology; Explicit FE simulation; Fatigue, brittleness, fracture, and cracks; Impact; Impact damage; Instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy; Material form; Mechanical and acoustical properties of condensed matter; Mechanical properties of solids; Physics; Rheology; Impact; Explicit FE simulation; Impact damage; Panels; Fiber reinforced composites; Theoretical study; Computerized simulation; Residual stresses; Ramming; Finite element method; Composite materials; Simulation; Impact strength; Collision energy; Modelling; Non linear effect
• ISSN: 0263-8223; 1879-1085
• DOI: 10.1016/S0263-8223(00)00055-6

This paper presents results of a finite element (FE) analysis study into low energy impact on curved composite panels. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy and efficiency of a non-linear explicit FE code, MSC.Dytran, and compare results to published experimental data. The study also looked at impact response as a function of composite panel curvature, composite mesh density, impactor weight, velocity and size, and various suggestions are made for improving the accuracy and efficiency of FE analysis procedures in composite low energy impact studies. The paper presents 265 explicit computer simulation results, which show that non-linear FE analysis does provide accurate, efficient and conservative solutions provided various guidelines are followed.