Simulation of impact force and energy response of composite laminate subjected to low velocity impact

Based on continuum damage mechanics (CDM) approach, a progressive damage model is proposed to predict the impact force and energy response of the carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates subjected to low velocity impact. The typical failure modes were simulated by employing damage mode-based failure criteria, irreversible damage variables and computing method of internal energy were defined in order to quantify damage associated with the gradual stiffness reduction and energy dissipation. A good agreement was found between the numerical simulation and experimental results. In addition, the difference between the Hashin criterion and LaRC04 criterion were analyzed, and a combined criterion composed of Hashin and LaRC04 criterion was advised for composite laminates subjected to low velocity impact. Comparison between the Hashin criterion and combined criterion indicates that when there is a lot of compressive failure damage in CFRP composite laminates, combined criterion is more suitable for the case in this paper, and a conservative result would be obtained if Hashin criterion is adopted.