Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research
Title
Finite Element Model for Compression After Impact Behaviour of Stitched Composites
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-2015
Abstract
A finite element (FE) model using coupling continuum shell elements and cohesive elements is proposed to simulate the compression after impact (CAI) behavior and predict the CAI strength of stitched composites. Continuum shell elements with Hashin failure criterion exhibit the composite laminate damage behavior; whilst cohesive elements using traction-separation law characterise the laminate interfaces. Impact-induced delamination is explicitly modelled by reducing material properties of damaged cohesive elements. Computational results have demonstrated the trend of increasing CAI strength with decreasing impact-induced delamination area. Spring elements are introduced into the model to represent through-thickness stitch thread in the composite laminates. Results in this study validate experimental finding that CAI strength is improved when stitching is incorporated into the composite structure. The proposed FE model reveals good CAI strength predictions and indicates good agreement with experimental results, making it a valuable tool for CAI strength prediction of stitched composites.
Publication Title
Composites Part B: Engineering
Recommended Citation
Tan, Kwek Tze; Watanabe, N.; and Iwahori, Y., "Finite Element Model for Compression After Impact Behaviour of Stitched Composites" (2015). Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research. 1097.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/mechanical_ideas/1097