Mesoscale Modeling to Predict Dynamic Impact Response of Plain Weave Composites

This study summarizes a previously developed approach for modeling high-velocity impact on multilayered plain weave composites. This approach is evolved here to include a stochastic mesostructure, which more realistically models a real plain weave composite. The mesoscale modeling approach resolves plain weave architecture with mesoscale detail and applies the continuum assumption to the microscale. Previously developed models include rate-dependent material constitutive, damage and failure behavior, and rate-dependent cohesive interfacial failure. Rate-dependent cohesive traction-separation laws were derived from previously published microscale models of fracture. The modeling approach was validated by comparing the predicted impact versus residual velocity (VI-VR) response to previously published experimental results. In this work, the modified model is used to predict the VI-VR response for a 22-layer composite, and the results are compared with experimental results from the literature. Good correlation is shown between experiment and model predictions.