Papers abstract:

This paper deals with an analysis of a low energy impact on unidirectional S-Glass/Polyester composite plate. A set of low energy impact tests was carried out on composite plates in a bending configuration. The impact loads were applied using drop-mass tower. The mechanical responses, such as impact force, bending, energy dissipation and damage are highlighted and analyzed. A reliable finite element model is developed to calculate, and then to compare to experiments, all mechanical responses. An analysis of the stress state and damaged surfaces induced by the impact is performed based on the Hashin’s damage criterion. The effect of the drop height on the degradation of the composite material is highlighted, particularly the extent of the damaged area. It is shown that the maximum bending and the maximum impact force follow linear evolution with respect to the drop height. Also, the model reproduced well experimental observations, such as damage generated in the inter-plies, the damaged zone extent and other mechanical responses. A parametric study was performed to highlight the effect of relevant design parameters on the mechanical response of the composite laminate to the impact loading.

Product Overview:
This product provides a practical finite element model and instructional video replicating a validated composite impact simulation. Developed based on real experimental data, this model demonstrates how composite laminates behave under low-velocity impact. Key simulation steps include:

• Geometry creation of S-Glass/Polyester laminate and hemispherical projectile
• Composite layup definition with ply-level orientation
• Application of Hashin’s damage model for progressive failure analysis
• Setup of dynamic explicit simulation step with impact velocity input
• Output visualization for displacement, stress, velocity, and damage evolution.

In this tutorial, low-energy impacts on composite laminates are simulated, according to data from the work of Zouggar et al.