Non-linear strain rate dependent micro-mechanical composite material model for finite element impact and crashworthiness simulation

The present study aims at implementation of a strain rate dependent, non-linear, micro-mechanics material model for laminated, unidirectional polymer matrix composites into the explicit finite element code LSDYNA. The objective is to develop an accurate and simple micro-mechanical, rate dependent material model, which is computationally efficient. Within the model a representative volume cell is assumed. The stress-strain relation including rate dependent effects for the micro-model is derived for both shell elements and solid elements. Micro-failure criterion is presented for each material constituent and failure mode. The implemented model can deal with problems such as impact, crashworthiness, and failure analysis under quasi-static loads. The developed material model has a wide range of applications such as jet engine jackets, armor plates, and structural crashworthiness simulation. The deformation response of two representative composite materials with varying fiber orientation is presented using the described technique. The predicted results compare favorably to experimental values.