Modelling the in-plane strain rate dependent behaviour of woven composites with special emphasis on the non-linear shear response

Abstract A constitutive model for the rate dependent mechanical behaviour of woven composites is presented. A glass fibre composite was experimentally characterised under quasi-static and dynamic regimes to determine the strain rate dependency. Afterwards, the physical findings were used to develop a constitutive model able to predict strain rate dependent phenomena. A continuum damage mechanics approach was implemented to capture the composite failure and strain rate dependency was incorporated in the ply properties together with a damping algorithm for stability purposes. As a result, the model provided strain rate dependent behaviour while ensuring the stability of the numerical simulations. Finally, the model was used to investigate the low velocity impact response of composite plates, showing the importance of considering the strain rate dependency even at medium rates to accurately predict the response laminates subjected to dynamic loads.