Impact and post impact behavior of composite sandwich panels

Assessing the residual mechanical properties of a sandwich structure is an important part of any impact study and determines how the structure can withstand post impact loading. The damage tolerance of a composite sandwich structure composed of woven carbon/epoxy facesheets and a PVC foam core was investigated. Sandwich panels were impacted with a falling mass from increasing heights until damage was induced. Impact damage consisted of delamination and permanent indentation in the impacted facesheets. The Compression After Impact (CAI) strength of sandwich columns sectioned from these panels was then compared with the strength of an undamaged column. Although not visually apparent, the facesheet delamination damage was found to be quite detrimental to the load bearing capacity of the sandwich panel, underscoring the need for reliable damage detection techniques for composite sandwich structures.     

Long-term hygrothermal effects on damage tolerance of hybrid composite sandwich panels

A sandwich construction, composed of hybrid carbon-glass fibre-reinforced plastic skins and a syntactic foam core, was selected as the design concept for a wind tunnel compressor blade application, where high damage tolerance and durability are of major importance. Beam specimens were prepared from open-edge and encapsulated sandwich panels which had previously been immersed in water at different temperatures for periods of up to about two years in the extreme case. Moisture absorption and strength characteristics, as related to time of exposure to hygrothermal conditions, were evaluated for the sandwich specimens and their constituents (skins and foam). After different exposure periods, low-velocity impact damage was inflicted on most sandwich specimens and damage characteristics were related to impact energy. Eventually, the residual compressive strengths of the damaged (and undamaged) beams were determined flexurally. Test results show that exposure to hygrothermal conditions leads to significant strength reductions for foam specimens and open-edge sandwich panels, compared with reference specimens stored at room temperature. In the case of skin specimens and for beams prepared from encapsulated sandwich panels that had previously been exposed to hygrothermal conditions, moisture absorption was found to improve strength as related to the reference case. The beneficial effect of moisture on skin performance was, however, limited to moisture contents below 1% (at 50°C and lower temperatures). Above this moisture level and at higher temperatures, strength degradation of the skin seems to prevail.     

Damage tolerance assessment of composite sandwich panels with localised damage

The work described herein is part of a larger context in which the effect of damage in sandwich composite structures for marine applications has been investigated. The overall aim of this effort has been twofold: to develop and verify existing damage assessment models to be used to assess the effect of damage on marine sandwich structures, and to develop a damage assessment scheme to be used by shipyards, ship owners and navies.More specifically, this paper presents a sub-set of this overall effort looking at impact and indentation damage and its effect on the load carrying capacity of state-of-the-art carbon composite sandwich panels for marine applications. Damage types are modelled based on physical observations from tests. Testing is then performed on different scales in order to validate the models. The overall aim is to use such models to produce information that can be used for decision-making at two levels. The first is to evaluate the damage tolerance of ship structural components and thus to calculate the size and extent of damage that a component can have without risk of growth or failure at ultimate local or global loads on the entire ship. The second is to have information at hand to decide if, and when, a structural part needs to be repaired if damage has been detected. A scheme developed for this purpose is presented herein. Finally the paper will briefly describe a common framework for damage assessment in composite sandwich structures. Herein, models are used in conjunction with the design specifics and functional requirements to create a scheme for repair decisions.     

Modelling impact damage in marine composite panels

In order to establish the survivability of a composite structure under a dynamic load, it is important to be able to predict the damage incurred and the effect of the contact force. The damage caused by low velocity impact is often hidden and for thicker plates the transverse stresses are significant in promoting delamination. In this study, woven vinyl-ester composite plates up to 1.37 m long are numerically modelled with a simple, gradually damaging three-dimensional material model and the results are compared with full-scale tests. The model is based on damage mechanics principles using cyclic test data to obtain modulus reduction with damage. Delamination is modelled with a mixed-mode traction-separation law using cohesive elements. The nonlinear elastic orthotropic material model for the woven plies is written in a VUMAT in Abaqus/Explicit and the effects of varying some of the modelling parameters are briefly discussed through the examination of the contact force.     

Compression and impact testing of two-layer composite pyramidal-core sandwich panels

Quasi-static uniform compression tests and low-velocity concentrated impact tests were conducted to reveal the failure mechanisms and energy absorption capacity of two-layer carbon fiber composite sandwich panels with pyramidal truss cores. Three different volume-fraction cores (i.e., with different relative densities) were fabricated: 1.25%, 1.81%, and 2.27%. Two-layer sandwich panels with identical volume-fraction cores (either 1.25% or 2.27%), and also stepwise graded panels consisting of one light and one heavy core, were investigated under uniform quasi-static compression. Under quasi-static compression, load peaks were identified with complete failure of individual truss layers due to strut buckling or strut crushing, and specific energy absorption was estimated for different core configurations. In the impact test, the damage resulting from low-velocity concentrated impact was investigated. Our results show that compared with glass fiber woven textile truss cores, two-layer carbon fiber composite pyramidal truss cores have comparable specific energy absorptions, and thus could be used in the development of novel light-weight multifunctional structures.     

Rapid simulation of impacts on composite sandwich panels inducing barely visible damage

The finite element based design tool, CODAC, has been developed for efficiently simulating the impact behavior of sandwich structures consisting of two composite face sheets and a compliant core. To achieve a rapid and accurate stress analysis, three-layered finite shell elements are used. A number of macromechanical damage models are implemented to model damage onset and damage growth.

The transient impact analysis is assessed via an experimental impact test program on honeycomb sandwich panels. Force–time histories and damage sizes are examined. The influence of distinct damage and degradation models on the impact response is analyzed. Results show that the presented time-efficient methodology is capable of accurately modeling core failure behavior and rapidly simulating low-velocity impacts which induce barely visible damage.     

Damage prediction in composite sandwich panels subjected to low-velocity impact

The paper illustrates the application of a finite element tool for simulating the structural and damage response of foam-based sandwich composites subjected to low-velocity impact. Onset and growth of typical damage modes occurring in the composite skins, such as fibre fracture, matrix cracking and delaminations, were simulated by the use of three-dimensional damage models (for intralaminar damage) and interfacial cohesive laws (for interlaminar damage). The nonlinear behaviour of the foam core was simulated by a crushable foam plasticity model. The FE results were compared with experimental data acquired by impact testing on sandwich panels consisting of carbon/epoxy facesheets bonded to a PVC foam. Good agreement was obtained between predictions and experiments in terms of force histories, force–displacement curves and dissipated energy. The proposed model was also capable of simulating correctly nature and size of impact damage, and of capturing the key features of individual delaminations at different depth locations.     

Finite element modelling of low velocity impact of composite sandwich panels

This paper outlines a finite element procedure for predicting the behaviour under low velocity impact of sandwich panels consisting of brittle composite skins supported by a ductile core. The modelling of the impact requires a dynamic analysis that can also handle non-linearities caused by large deflections, plastic deformation of the core and in-plane degradation of the composite skins. Metal honeycomb, frequently used as a core material, is anisotropic and requires a non-standard approach in the elasto-plastic part of the analysis. A suitable yield criteria based on experimental observations is proposed. Comparisons of experimental and finite element responses are shown for sandwich panels with carbon fibre skins and aluminium honeycomb cores.     

明胶鸟弹撞击复合材料蜂窝夹芯板试验

开展明胶鸟弹撞击复合材料蜂窝夹芯板试验,研究夹芯结构在软体高速冲击下的损伤形式,分析相关因素对结构动态响应结果的影响。通过CT扫描对复合材料蜂窝夹芯板内部进行检测可知,面板出现分层、基体开裂、纤维断裂、凹陷、向胞内屈曲等损伤形式,蜂窝芯出现芯材压溃、与面板脱粘的损伤形式;分析复合材料蜂窝夹芯板后面板的动态变形过程及撞击中心处位移-时间数据可知,复合材料蜂窝夹芯板在撞击过程中出现由全局弯曲变形主导和局部变形主导的两种变形模式;通过对比不同工况下的复合材料蜂窝夹芯板损伤程度可知,复合材料蜂窝夹芯板损伤程度随鸟弹撞击速度的增加而增大;蜂窝芯高度为10 mm的复合材料蜂窝夹芯板较蜂窝芯高度为5 mm的复合材料蜂窝夹芯板的损伤程度大;初始动能较大的球形鸟弹较圆柱形鸟弹对复合材料蜂窝夹芯板造成的冲击损伤程度更大。      

Dynamic models for low-velocity impact damage of composite sandwich panels – Part A: Deformation

Equivalent single and multi degree-of-freedom systems are used to predict the low-velocity impact response of rigidly supported, two-sided clamped, simply supported and four-sided clamped composite sandwich panels. The composite sandwich panels have orthotropic facesheets and are symmetric. Analytical solutions for the transient deformation response of the sandwich panels are presented in this paper, and analytical predictions of impact damage initiation are given in a companion paper. Equivalent masses are derived by assuming velocity distributions and calculating average kinetic energies (KEs) in terms of the amplitude of the top facesheet indentation and the global panel deflection. Equivalent spring and dashpot resistances are derived from the static load–indentation response and adjusted with dynamic material properties of the facesheet and core. Analytical predictions of the impact force compare well with experimental values from three independent studies.     

Prediction of crushing morphology of GRP composite sandwich panels under edgewise compression

This paper describes the use of finite element analysis (FEA) for the simulation of the crushing response of glass reinforced plastic (GRP) composite sandwich panels aimed to absorb collision energy. FEA was employed to predict the failure mode associated with the geometry of a triggering mechanism that was introduced in the foam-cored sandwich panels, and for analyses of the influence of the specimens’ aspect ratio on the specific energy absorption of these panels. The formulated numerical models were found to be effective in reproducing the failure mode and crush zone morphology experimentally observed. The numerical results predicted a trigger geometry that marks the transition from catastrophic buckling failure to progressive crushing and showed that there is not an apparent trend between the aspect ratio of the panels and their specific energy absorption.     

复合材料加筋板低速冲击损伤的数值模拟

建立了复合材料加筋板在横向低速冲击载荷作用下的渐进损伤有限元模型。该模型考虑了复合材料加筋板受低速冲击时的纤维断裂、基体开裂及分层脱粘等五种典型的损伤形式, 在层内采用应变描述的失效判据, 结合相应的材料性能退化方案, 通过编写VUMAT用户自定义子程序以实现相应损伤类型的判断和演化。在层间以及筋条与层板间加入界面元, 模拟层间区域的情况, 结合传统的应力失效判据和断裂力学中的能量释放率准则来判断分层损伤的起始和演化规律。通过对数值模拟结果与实验数据的比较, 验证了模型的合理性和有效性。同时探讨了不同位置、不同冲击能量以及含初始损伤(脱粘)等因素对复合材料加筋板低速冲击性能的影响。     

Dynamic models for low-velocity impact damage of composite sandwich panels – Part B: Damage initiation

Equivalent single and multi degree-of-freedom systems are used to predict low-velocity impact damage of composite sandwich panels by rigid projectiles. The composite sandwich panels are symmetric and consist of orthotropic laminate facesheets and a core with constant crushing resistance. The transient deformation response of the sandwich panels subjected to impact were predicted in a previous paper, and analytical solutions for the impact force and velocity at damage initiation in sandwich panels are presented in this second paper. Several damage initiation modes are considered, including tensile and shear fracture of the top facesheet, core shear failure, and tensile failure of back facesheet. The impact failure modes are similar to static indentation failure modes, but inertial resistance and high strain rate material properties of the facesheets and core influence impact damage loads. Predicted damage initiation loads and impact velocities compare well with experimental results.     

复合材料加筋板低速冲击损伤的数值模拟

建立了复合材料加筋板在横向低速冲击载荷作用下的渐进损伤有限元模型.该模型考虑了复合材料加筋板受低速冲击时的纤维断裂、基体开裂及分层脱粘等五种典型的损伤形式,在层内采用应变描述的失效判据,结合相应的材料性能退化方案,通过编写VUMAT用户自定义子程序以实现相应损伤类型的判断和演化.在层间以及筋条与层板间加入界面元,模拟层间区域的情况,结合传统的应力失效判据和断裂力学中的能量释放率准则来判断分层损伤的起始和演化规律.通过对数值模拟结果与实验数据的比较,验证了模型的合理性和有效性.同时探讨了不同位置、不同冲击能量以及含初始损伤(脱粘)等因素对复合材料加筋板低速冲击性能的影响.     

含冲击损伤缝合层板剩余压缩强度

通过对含冲击损伤缝合复合材料层板进行压缩实验, 揭示了含损伤缝合层板在压缩载荷下的破坏模式和破坏机制。将冲击损伤等效为圆孔, 利用杂交单元计算冲击后缝合层板的应力分布, 采用基于特征曲线概念的点应力判据预测了含损伤缝合层板的剩余压缩强度。研究结果表明: 冲击损伤近似为圆形; 缝合和未缝合层板冲击后压缩的损伤模式不同; 采用开口等效法可以有效分析缝合层板的剩余压缩强度; 特征距离、 损伤面积是影响计算结果的主要因素。     

含冲击损伤缝合层板剩余压缩强度

通过对含冲击损伤缝合复合材料层板进行压缩实验,揭示了含损伤缝合层板在压缩载荷下的破坏模式和破坏机制.将冲击损伤等效为圆孔,利用杂交单元计算冲击后缝合层板的应力分布,采用基于特征曲线概念的点应力判据预测了含损伤缝合层板的剩余压缩强度.研究结果表明:冲击损伤近似为圆形;缝合和未缝合层板冲击后压缩的损伤模式不同;采用开口等效法可以有效分析缝合层板的剩余压缩强度;特征距离、损伤面积是影响计算结果的主要因素.     

Impact damage on sandwich panels and multi-layer insulation

Most spacecraft rely intensively on sandwich construction for external structures with multi layer thermal insulation where appropriate. Experience gained in ESA with various spacecraft (ROSETTA, METOP, ATV,…) covers a substantial range of materials and configurations. In this work, the applicability of simple damage equations (e.g. those presently used for single or Whipple shield ballistic limits) to more complex configurations (e.g. sandwich plates with and without MLI) is analyzed. The different sandwich configurations which were submitted to testing are reviewed, impact test results are presented and compared with impact reference data on single plates and Whipple shields. It has been found that sandwich panels have a better tolerance to hypervelocity impacts than monolithic structures. MLI placed in front of the sandwich panels contributes significantly to the overall protection performance in the range of the projectile diameters tested. The complexity of the sandwich structure is responsible for a considerable scatter in the test results. The predictors for Whipple shields applied to sandwich panels with and without MLI can only be considered on a case by case basis for risk assessment analysis.     

Reliability of inserts in sandwich composite panels

Inserts are commonly used to transfer loads to sandwich composite structures. Local stress concentrations due to inserts are known to cause structural failure, and experimental pull-out tests show that the failure load can vary by 20% between batches of sandwich panels. Clearly, uncertainty in the mechanical properties of the constituent materials needs to be addressed in the design and optimization of sandwich panel inserts. In this paper, we explore the utility of reliability analysis in design, applying Monte Carlo sampling, the First Order Reliability Method (FORM), line sampling, and subset simulation to a one-dimensional model of an insert in a homogenized sandwich panel. We observe that for systems with very low failure probabilities, subset simulation is the most efficient method for calculating the probability of structural failure, but in general, Monte Carlo sampling is more effective than the advanced reliability analysis techniques.     

基于FBG传感技术的复合材料T型加筋板低速冲击损伤监测

针对碳纤维增强树脂复合材料低速冲击损伤的实时监测,设计将布拉格光纤光栅（FBG）传感器埋植在复合材料T型加筋板结构的三角填充区,在线监测复合材料T型加筋板冲击损伤过程。分别将FBG传感器埋植于复合材料层合板内部和复合材料T型加筋板的三角填充区,对比FBG传感器的埋入对复合材料层合板和复合材料T型加筋板力学性能的影响。结果表明,内埋FBG传感器的复合材料层合板试样的拉伸强度比未埋植传感器的层合板试样降低了约5%,但在FBG传感器的破坏应变范围内,FBG传感器可以准确、实时地监测复合材料的应变信号。将FBG传感器埋入复合材料T型加筋板的三角填充区,内埋FBG传感器的T型加筋板样件压缩破坏载荷与未埋植的样件基本一致。通过对比T型加筋板蒙皮上冲击位置、冲击能量对FBG传感器测得的冲击过程持续时间和最大应变值的影响,表明冲击过程持续时间随着冲击能量增大而延长,最大应变值随着冲击距离的增加呈下降趋势,而最大应变值随着冲击能量的增大呈上升趋势。利用FBG传感器测得的应变信号可初步实现对复合材料T型加筋板蒙皮冲击损伤位置及冲击能量的实时监测。      

复合材料T型加筋板筋条冲击损伤及冲击后压缩行为试验

本文研究了复合材料加筋板的筋条冲击损伤及冲击损伤对加筋板轴向压缩（CAI）行为的影响。针对T型单筋加筋板,通过落锤法从面板一侧对筋条进行5种能量水平的低速冲击。试验结果表明：冲击筋条产生的面板凹坑不易观察;当冲击能量低于筋条损伤门槛能量时,加筋板筋条无损伤出现,筋条-面板也不会发生脱粘;一旦冲击能量超过筋条损伤门槛能量,筋条的腹板会在弯曲拉伸应力作用下损伤,同时筋条-面板之间会出现严重脱粘。分别对完好和损伤试验件进行压缩试验,试验结果显示：低于门槛能量的冲击对加筋板的压缩屈曲载荷影响不大,同时只会略微降低失效载荷;而冲击造成筋条损伤后,筋条在压缩过程中会由于损伤扩展出现卸载;卸载后的筋条会对面板失去支撑,使面板的屈曲载荷降低,从而大幅地削弱加筋板的承载能力。