Finite Element Simulation of Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) Test to Predict the Dynamic Compressive Behavior of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Composite

Abstract

Glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRPs) are becoming increasingly important in aerospace, construction, and automotive industries due to their potential for weight reduction, high strength, and excellent fatigue resistance. The failure mechanisms of GFRPs are influenced by factors such as strain-rate, frequency, stress state, and temperature. However, existing constitutive models have predominantly focused on characterizing the material's behavior under quasi-static conditions, potentially limiting their accuracy when applied to situations involving higher strain rates. This study employs explicit dynamics finite element analysis to examine the impact of high strain rates on the dynamic compressive behavior of glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRPs) in an ABAQUS CAE environment using the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) experimental setup. The mechanical response of the [0/90]16 GFRP laminate system is characterized using the orthotropic elasticity material model and Hashin Damage Criteria is used to model the damage properties. Based on stability of total model energy, mesh convergence test was conducted across various mesh sizes to obtain the optimal mesh size for validating the developed FE-model. The simulation results highlight a notable increase in the compressive stress of the GFRP, rising from 200 MPa to 663 MPa as the strain rate increases from 596 s-1 to 1743 s-1. These results have shown the strain rate sensitivity of GFRPs and offer valuable insights for the prospective design and application of GFRP composites.