Numerical study on the dynamic progressive failure due to low-velocity repeated impacts in thin CFRP laminated composite plates

In this paper, the mechanical response of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) plates subjected to repeated low-velocity impacts is numerically investigated. 3D models of composite plates subjected to repeated low-velocity impacts were developed in Abaqus/Explicit software. The numerical models were validated using experimental data obtained from impact tests on CFRP plates using drop weight tower methodology through the comparison of commonly used parameters (i.e., maximum contact force, maximum impactor displacement, and energy absorption). Damage is intended as several modes for intralaminar failure such us fibre or matrix breakage and interlaminar failure (i.e., delamination). Puck failure criterion with linear strain softening was employed for acknowledging intralaminar failure. Additionally, the bi-linear traction–separation cohesive zone model was employed to account for interlaminar damage by defining zero thickness cohesive elements at the interfaces. A sequence of impacts was applied to the composite plate at three different energy levels. It was found that the impact time and the peak force increase in the sequential impacts which indicates a change in the stiffness of the laminate in sequential impacts. The analyses of the results of the damage accumulation and delamination in CFRP plates showed that most of the intra-laminar and interlaminar damage is limited to a few initial impacts in a repeated impact scenario.