Impact based characterization of composites using a computational framework

This article has employed a computational method to evaluate the dynamic response of Carbon fiber reinforced polymers composite material. Three Dimensional, Computational Shell and Two Dimensional modelling of a protective system has been conducted by the authors using Finite Element Method. In order to simulate the influence of space debris impacts on carbon epoxy composites, velocity variation in high and hyper speed range has been conducted. Rigid elements were utilized to model the projectile, while three dimensional stress elements, Continuum Shell elements and Plane stress elements were used for three dimensional, Continuum Shell and two dimensional modelling of the plate. The computational results indicated a good convergence with the available experimental results with variation less than 10%. It was observed that the generated stresses, energy absorbed, damaged area as well as the computation time of the models increased with the subsequent increase in impacting velocity. An increase of 75% in the energy absorbed, 86% increase in the generated stress and 93% increase in the deformation was observed against an increase in the impact velocity from 150 m/s to 1674 m/s. A maximum increase of 12% in the overall damage area, 41% increase in delamination of plies and 95% enhanced computation time was also observed against the above mentioned velocity variation.