Numerical investigation on links between the stacking sequence and energy absorption characteristics of fabric and unidirectional composite sinusoidal plate

Failure modes and energy absorption characteristics of T700/2510 fabric and unidirectional (UD) composite sinusoidal plate with different stacking sequence are numerically studied under axial quasi-static impact. The stiffness degradation method based progressive failure model, considering the intra- and inter-ply damage, is validated with experimental results obtained from impacts of fabric and UD sinusoidal plate. Then the effects of stacking sequence on failure modes and energy absorption characteristics of fabric and UD sinusoidal plate are discussed in detail. The percentage of 90° and 45° fiber with the [0n/θm/0n] family and the variation in θ with [0n/θm/0n], [θ/(θ-90)]NS and [±θ]NS families are primarily considered in this study. Results show that both simulated results of fabric and UD sinusoidal plate are proved to be in a good qualitative and quantitative agreement with tested results. Through the comparative study, different stacking sequences are found to have significant influences on failure modes and energy absorption capability. Simultaneously, there are many differences between the fabric and UD sinusoidal plate with the similar lay-up family in the energy absorption characteristic. Finally, several superior stacking sequences are recommended to satisfy different crashworthiness requirements of fabric and UD sinusoidal plate respectively.