Simulation of the impact and ballistic response of laminated composite structures

This paper presents an overview of the results of the most recent research effort carried out at the University of British Columbia (UBC) on the numerical modelling of the impact response of composite structures. Two distinct methodologies are discussed. One is an engineering approach wherein a finite element representation of the global structural deformations is combined with an analytical model that describes the local contact/impact behaviour. In the second approach, a detailed finite element analysis of the impact event is carried out using the more sophisticated, hydrodynamic code (hydrocode), LS-DYNA. In both cases, the predictions are compared to impact and ballistic test data generated at UBC. The complementary nature of the two approaches along with their advantages and shortcomings are also discussed.