Numerical simulation of impact and compression after impact of asymmetrically tapered laminated CFRP

This paper presents a numerical simulation of impact and compression after impact (CAI) of a tapered composite laminate using a discrete ply model. Three types of damage: matrix cracking, delamination and fiber rupture are considered in the model. The presence of ply drop-off generates some discontinuities in the stress field and therefore adds difficulties to the simulation.Analyses of numerical results are performed to understand the damage and failure mechanisms in both tests. Numerical results in terms of force-displacement curves, delamination shape, CAI displacement field and residual strength are compared with experimental data. Impact simulation is in good correlation with the tests. CAI strength is under predicted and depends on quality of the meshing of the transition region. This study highlights the importance of modeling intra-ply matrix cracking for impact simulation.