Design Optimization and Validation of GMT Hat Structures

Due to their high specific strength and specific energy absorption capabilities, fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (FRP) have proven their potential and are used for lightweight design in many structural applications, especially in the automotive sector. Finite element simulations play an indispensable role in the design and optimization of structures. The behavior of composite materials under crash conditions poses challenges for simulations since it requires modeling beyond the elastic region and into failure initiation and propagation. Therefore, a methodology using the MAT54 material model in LS-DYNA was developed to design and validate the FRP structures for crash loadings.