Impact simulation of three-dimensional woven kevlar-epoxy composites

Abstract

The focus of this work is to find the impact loading properties of three types of three-dimensional woven kevlar fabric structures before and after impregnation with epoxy resin. The analysis has been done at different impact times and different magnitude of forces. Total deformation, equivalent strain and equivalent stress created on these fabrics have been noted. First a model of three-dimensional woven fabric composite is generated using SolidWorks 2011. The model is constructed in such a way that it can be readily integrated into commercial finite element programs like ANSYS. Then impact resistance of this model is simulated and studied with impacts at different initial velocities. By incorporating the interface of fabric and matrix, the impact resistance is predicted. The simulated results are validated with experimental data. A compatible resin/matrix system has to be selected along with the fabric in order to develop sufficient resistance to impact. The three-dimensional woven kevlar-epoxy composites prove to be effectively resistant to impact due to interface of fiber and matrix system.