Finite Element Analysis of Low-Velocity Impact Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Composite Laminate Emphasizing on Meshing Technique

Abstract

This paper presents the performance of the three-dimensional progressive damage model using Puck failure criteria gradual degradation law to predict the structural responses, as well as the onset and propagation of failure due to different meshing techniques. The proposed damage model is performed using Abaqus explicit analysis. Three meshing strategies are analyzed using a solid element finite element model based on low-velocity impact loading. The structural responses are compared with experimental data taken from literature to measure the performance of such damage model. The results revealed that the models adopted here respond well to experimental data and demonstrate acceptable results in predicting the inter- and intra-laminar damage of the composite laminate.