A ballistic material model for continuous-fiber reinforced composites

A ply-level material constitutive model for plain-weave composite laminates has been developed to enable computational analyses of progressive damage/failure in the laminates under high velocity ballistic impact conditions. In this model, failure-initiation criteria and damage evolution laws are introduced to account for the major fiber-failure modes (tensile, compressive, punch shear and crush loading). In addition, two matrices related failure modes (in-plane shear and through the thickness delamination) are also accounted for. These types of fiber and matrix failure modes are commonly observed during a ballistic event. The composite-material model has been implemented within LS-DYNA as a user-defined material subroutine and used successfully to predict the damage and ballistic behavior of composite laminates subjected to various ballistic impact conditions. It is hoped that the availability of this material model will help facilitate the development of composite structures with enhanced ballistic survivability.

► A robust composite layer progressive failure model has been established.
► The model was integrated in LS-DYNA as a user-defined subroutine.
► A mechanical testing procedure was developed to quantify fiber shear strength.
► Ballistic simulations were performed to predict V50, damage and deflection history.
► The model has been validated by comparing the predicted results with test data.