Effective implementation of numerical models for the crashworthiness of composite laminates

Abstract

Crashworthiness is the capability to leverage the controlled failure of a structure to dissipate the kinetic energy of an impact, thus protecting occupants of vehicles and valuable equipment. Composite materials have exciting potential in airborne and ground vehicles' crashworthy structures thanks to their high Specific Energy Absorption. However, their performances depend on several design factors, such as material constituents, stacking sequence, and component geometry. Numerical simulations have proved to be a valid tool to analyze the effect of these parameters and streamline the design phase, reducing costs and time to market. Nevertheless, material calibration is a critical step in implementing reliable numerical simulations. ESI Virtual Performance Solution software supports two damage models for orthotropic laminae: Ladevèze and Waas-Pineda. After a brief description of the two models, the required calibration procedures for a unidirectional ply laminate are presented.