Damage mechanisms of composite laminates under impact loading including the effect of pre-load
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The focus of the present research is on the damage modelling of composite laminates subjected
to Low Velocity Impact (LVI). This research also shows how this model can be employed to
assess the effect of pre-load. The composite damage model, integrating a VUMAT subroutine
and a cohesive zone model, is first validated against the results obtained from conventional
impacts on laminates without pre-load. The validated model is then employed to predict the
impact response of pre-loaded composite laminates. It was found that the pre-load influences
the load response, damage behaviour and energy absorption mechanisms of composite
laminates. This is with pre-tension increases the maximum load during the impact event,
whereas pre-compression has the opposite effect. Matrix cracking and delamination are found
to be reduced slightly due to pre-tension, whilst matrix cracking and delamination are
considerably increased by pre-compression. The developed model can provide guidance to the
design and maintenance of composite components subjected to pre-load and impact.
to Low Velocity Impact (LVI). This research also shows how this model can be employed to
assess the effect of pre-load. The composite damage model, integrating a VUMAT subroutine
and a cohesive zone model, is first validated against the results obtained from conventional
impacts on laminates without pre-load. The validated model is then employed to predict the
impact response of pre-loaded composite laminates. It was found that the pre-load influences
the load response, damage behaviour and energy absorption mechanisms of composite
laminates. This is with pre-tension increases the maximum load during the impact event,
whereas pre-compression has the opposite effect. Matrix cracking and delamination are found
to be reduced slightly due to pre-tension, whilst matrix cracking and delamination are
considerably increased by pre-compression. The developed model can provide guidance to the
design and maintenance of composite components subjected to pre-load and impact.
Date Issued
2023-10
Date Acceptance
2023-07-29
Citation
Thin Walled Structures, 2023, 191
ISSN
0263-8231
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal / Book Title
Thin Walled Structures
Volume
191
Copyright Statement
Copyright © Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Identifier
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tws.2023.111068
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
111068
Date Publish Online
2023-08-21