Experimental and numerical investigations of low energy/velocity impact damage generated in 3D woven composite with polymer matrix

3D woven composite materials have been recently used to design some engine structures in order to improve their impact resistance. The aim of this work is to study experimentally and numerically low-velocity/energy impact damage in such recent composites. Impact tests at different energy levels have been performed and analysed using microscopic observations and X-ray tomography in order to understand damage mechanisms occurring in this material. Finite element simulations have been performed using the continuum damage model, ODM-PMC, developed at Onera for 3D woven composites under static loadings. Through comparisons with the available experimental data, it has been demonstrated that the damage mechanisms are described correctly by the present model. Moreover, the residual depth after impact is also accurately predicted, allowing to generate, numerically, relations between impact energy, damaged area and residual depth, currently determined experimentally in aeronautical industries.