Development and experimental validation of explicit dynamics simulation of composite structures using a stacked thick-shell methodology

Abstract

The stacked thick-shell modelling approach is investigated in the frame of explicit dynamics FE method for the simulation of composite structures. The methodology is developed for static and dynamic loading conditions and demonstrated in the case of three-point bending of laminated strips. For the validation of the stacked thick-shell modelling approach, experimental testing using laminated short beam shear coupons of the AS4/8552 composite material system is performed and the interlaminar shear strength under impact loading is determined. The specimen dynamic tests were performed using a drop tower apparatus and a specially designed three-point loading fixture. In parallel, conventional three-dimensional solid models are also analysed for comparison purposes. Test results correlate well to the respective numerical predictions, demonstrating the accuracy of the stacked thick-shell approach and the efficiency it provides in interlaminar stresses prediction, which makes the proposed approach suitable for large-scale composite structures simulation, with emphasis in delamination damage propagation.

Keywords:

• Stacked thick-shell modelling
• Explicit dynamics analysis
• Composite laminates
• Interlaminar stress field
• Finite element analysis
• Drop tower testing