A computational model for the simulation of dynamic fracture in laminated composite plates

A mesoscopic, time-dependent finite element model for the simulation of dynamic fracture in laminated composite plates is presented. The computational model allows for the simulation of mesh-objective multiple matrix cracking and delamination in laminated composite plates. The analyses are performed with an emphasis on the quantification of the effect of the loading rate on interacting damage mechanisms, i.e. matrix cracking and delamination. In particular, rate effects on damage initiation, propagation, and interaction between matrix cracking and delamination under low and high velocity impact are studied. Moreover, the paper addresses computational issues related to time continuity in stress/strain and velocity fields, during dynamic simulation, at the time of incorporation of new degrees of freedom in a mesh-objective crack modeling approach. Illustrative numerical examples are presented to show the performance of the model. The model is validated with a fast crack growth simulation in a unidirectional laminate. An impact test on a cross-ply laminated plate is performed in order to study the rate effects on structural response and damage mechanics.