Numerical simulation of low velocity impact on fiber metal laminates

The diffusion of composite laminates in aerospace industry has been slowed down by complexity in the prediction of fracture behaviours. In this respect the delamination phenomenon caused by Low-Velocity Impacts has been a critical issue. Several criteria that predict the delamination onset and growth have been analysed. The subsequent study has been focused on Cohesive Zone Models able to predict both initiation and propagation of delamination. Several models that represent the dynamic response of composite structures to impacts have been presented. An explicit FEM has been developed to perform 3D simulations of different layup configurations of Al2024T3 and Woven Carbon Prepreg Laminates subjected to a Low-Velocity Impact. ABAQUS, Dassault Systèmes Simulia Corp. has been employed to perform the numerical simulations. Specific attention is paid to the cohesive failure representing delamination.