Finite Element Simulation and Experimental Study on Energy Absorption of 3D Woven Glass Fiber Composite Sandwich Panels

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper, the results of experimental and numerical simulation of low velocity impact process have been carried out to investigate energy absorption of composite sandwich panels with 3D woven fabrics of glass fibers and epoxy resin. For this purpose, diagrams of force-displacement of the quasi-static and quasi-dynamic impact tests were studied. For the finite element simulation, Sandwich panel is considered as a composite material with anisotropic elastic properties. In this simulation, Hashin’s damage criteria have been used to model the fracture mechanics. The energy absorption in quasi-dynamic test is greater than the quasi-static test. Comparison of the numerical and experimental simulation shows good agreement between the results.Keywords: 3-Dimensional reinforcement, Impact behavior, Finite element analysis (FEA), Lay-up (manual/automated)