Numerical modeling of flax-woven reinforced composites submitted to quasi-static indentation and low velocity impact

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to provide a numerical modeling tool for flax-woven reinforced laminates submitted to Low Velocity Impact (LVI) and Quasi-Static Indentation (QSI). The selected approach is based on a constitutive material model specifically developed for woven reinforced plies. Experimental tests were carried out at different energy levels and boundary conditions for a comparative study to assess the viability of the model. Numerical results provide a good estimation of experimental force-displacement curves, with good to excellent superposition for LVI at 10 and 15 J and for QSI until a displacement of 2 to 3.5 mm. In terms of visible damage, a parallel is drawn between some damage variables and visible cracks on the one hand, and element deletions and fiber bundle failures on the other hand. Results show that the proposed numerical model is promising and potentially useful for designing and optimizing flax-woven reinforced composites submitted to both LVI and QSI.