Analysis of low-velocity impact on flax/PLA composites using a strain rate sensitive model

The mechanical behaviour of conventional composites is usually assumed as linear-elastic up to failure. However, the mechanical behaviour of natural fibres based composites is non-linear with a significant influence of strain-rate. This study presents a FEM model to analyse the impact behaviour of flax/PLA composites. The constitutive model includes the consideration of plastic strains and the influence of strain rate. The model was validated through comparison with low-velocity impact tests. Numerical prediction were in agreement with experimental results conducted with two impactor nose at different impact energies.