Bridging the low-velocity impact energy versus impact damage and residual compression strength for composite laminates

A finite element (FE) model based on fiber kinking and a transversal fracture angle damage model with cohesive elements are proposed to simulate the low-velocity impact (LVI) and compression after impact (CAI), and build a relationship between LVI energy and CAI strength of composites. The proposed FE model is validated by a comprehensive experimental work conducted using a high strength carbon fiber/epoxy material system i.e. CCF300/BA9916II and underwent LVI and CAI experimentation. The relative errors between numerical and experimental results of LVI damage area, maximum impact force, impact time, as well as CAI strength are less than 5%. The FE analysis results of LVI show that the dominant damage mode is delamination, and the CAI results demonstrate a brittle behavior with almost no loss of stiffness before failure. It is further deduced that the relationship of LVI energy and damage induced is directly proportional initially; however, after a threshold level of impact energy, the curve turns horizontal so that the increase in further impact energy does not increase the damage area substantially. A similar relationship is developed between impact energy and CAI strength.