Edge impact modeling on stiffened composite structures

Abstract Finite Element Analysis of low velocity/low energy edge impact has been carried out on carbon fiber reinforced plastic structure. Edge impact experimental results were then compared to the numerical “Discrete Ply Model” in order to simulate the edge impact damage. This edge impact model is inspired to out-of-plan impact model on a laminate plate with addition of new friction and crushing behaviors. From a qualitative and quantitative point of view, this edge impact model reveals a relatively good experiment/model agreement concerning force–time and force–displacement curves, damage morphology or permanent indentation after impact. In particular the correlation is faithful concerning the results of the parameters retained by industry; the maximum crack length on the edge and the permanent indentation. Finally, it can be noticed that the model quickly answers in crushing mode and goes in an inadequate way from the dynamic behavior to the quasi-static behavior. In order to correct this problem it seems necessary to implement a strain rate effect in the behavior law on the fiber failure in compression. The next step is to apply this model to the compression after impact.