Progressive Damage Model of Carbon-fiber Reinforced Polymer Laminates under Low-velocity Impact Loading

• Published in: Journal of Mechanical Engineering
• Main Author: Meon M.S.; Mordi M.F.I.; Mahmud J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: UiTM Press 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85215669185&doi=10.24191%2fjmeche.v13i1.2844&partnerID=40&md5=4d304baeca037fce7fba20501eb7ea36

The study quantitatively investigates the mechanical structural behavior and damage mechanisms of composite laminates under low-velocity impacts using Abaqus software. A three-dimensional Puck criterion is utilized to identify the onset of fiber failure and matrix cracking under tensile and compressive loading conditions. Two progressive damage evolution models are implemented to simulate damage propagation during impact. The model also incorporates cohesive elements with a bilinear traction-separation law to represent interlaminar damage. The performance of the model is validated by comparing its predictions against experimental results for a composite laminate with a stacking sequence of [0°3/45°/-45°2/45°/0°3] subjected to different impact energies (2 J, 4 J, and 8 J). Despite a slight reduction in accuracy at higher energy levels, the model effectively predicts force-displacement curves and energy absorption. The deviation from experimental results is approximately ±6%. This research offers a basis for enhancing the impact resistance and energy absorption characteristics of composite materials. © (2024), (UiTM Press). All rights reserved.