Prediction of impact-induced delamination in cross-ply composite laminates using cohesive interface elements

• Published in: Composites science and technology 2008-09, Vol.68 (12), p.2383-2390
• Main Authors: Aymerich, F., Dore, F., Priolo, P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; B. Impact behaviour; C. Computational simulation; C. Delamination; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Fracture mechanics (crack, fatigue, damage...); Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Laminates; Physics; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Solid mechanics; Structural and continuum mechanics; Technology of polymers
• ISSN: 0266-3538; 1879-1050
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2007.06.015

The paper investigates the potential of cohesive interface elements for damage prediction in laminates subjected to low-velocity impact. FE models with interface elements adopting a bilinear cohesive law were first calibrated and validated by simulation of standard fracture toughness tests and then employed to model the impact response of cross-ply graphite/epoxy laminated plates. The developed model provided a correct simulation of the impact response of laminates in a wide range of energy values and successfully predicted size, shape and location of main damage mechanisms. The results of the analyses also pointed out the importance of employing a damage criterion capable of accounting for the constraining effect of out-of-plane compression on the initiation of the decohesion phase.