Modeling, simulation, and experiments of high velocity impact on laminated composites

High velocity impact on laminated composite panels is investigated by modeling, simulation, and experiments. Impact velocities of 100, 200, and 300 m/s are considered and normal as well as oblique impacts are studied. FEM simulations are conducted to design three different laminate configurations to achieve the cases of a reflecting, almost stucking, and fully perforating impactor, respectively. Within a domain where material nonlinearities are expected the shell-based ply-scale approach is used. Every ply is modeled by a layer of shell elements which are connected via cohesive zone elements. Both element types are assigned nonlinear constitutive laws to capture their mechanical behavior appropriately. Outside this domain, a single layer of composite shell elements is used. Corresponding laminated plates are produced and tested using a gas gun setup, where energy absorption and damage patterns are assessed. The comparison of simulations and experiments shows excellent agreement. The three cases are predicted well, and also the damage patterns and the energy absorptions match very well.