Modelling and simulation of damage and failure in large composite components subjected to impact loads

Abstract A modelling approach for simulating the mechanical behaviour of large laminated composite components impacted by large deformable bodies, by means of advanced methods within the framework of the Finite Element Method, is presented. Thereby, an efficient shell element based modelling strategy in combination with a multiscale embedding approach allows the computational effort to be kept within reasonable bounds. Within a highly resolved subsection of the component, placed in the proximity of the impact zone, damage and failure mechanisms are modelled naturally at the length scale of individual plies and interfaces. Regions remote from the impact zone are modelled by a common laminate approach. The modelling approach is used to simulate high energy impact on glass fabric reinforced epoxy components. In a first step, its applicability is verified based on experimental drop weight impact tests. To demonstrate an application, two configurations of a generic composite fan containment casing of a jet engine subjected to fan blade out are investigated. Detailed insight into the components’ behaviour during the fan blade out event is gained. Eventually, conclusions drawn from such predictions contribute to improvements in the design of impact loaded composite components and help in reducing the experimental effort associated with their design.

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