Title: A numerical/experimental procedure for the assessment of the crash response of composite structures

Authors: Luca Vescovi; Fabio Grippa; Filippo Veneziani; Andrea Giubellini; Nicola De Rossi; Francesco Aymerich; Marino Quaresimin

Addresses: Dallara Automobili, via Provinciale 33, Varano de' Melegari, Italy ' Dallara Automobili, via Provinciale 33, Varano de' Melegari, Italy ' Dallara Automobili, via Provinciale 33, Varano de' Melegari, Italy ' Dallara Automobili, via Provinciale 33, Varano de' Melegari, Italy ' Department of Management and Engineering, University of Padova, Str. S. Nicola 3, Vicenza, Italy ' Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Piazza d'Armi, Cagliari, Italy ' Department of Management and Engineering, University of Padova, Str. S. Nicola 3, Vicenza, Italy

Abstract: This paper presents a study on CFRP structures crash simulation. The focus is on the implementation of a modelling methodology for applications in automotive and racing fields. As a sample representative of the actual in service condition, the activity is developed on a omega-shaped monolithic specimen. Quasi-static and dynamic compressive tests were carried out and eventually used for the validation of the proposed methodology. In plane tension, compression, and shear laminate properties were measured together with mode I, mixed-mode and mode II toughness to quantify the delamination resistance. In view of the differences seen in the quasi-static and dynamic response of the material, a preliminary investigation on the damage mechanisms is also presented. A careful FE model representative of the specimen was developed and used for the virtual simulation of crash testing. The comparison between experimental and numerical response of the structure under crash loadings provided good agreement.

Keywords: composite materials; crash response; finite element analysis; FEA; crash simulation; automotive composites; CFRP; carbon fibre reinforced polymers; modelling; racing cars; plane tension; compression; shear laminate properties; toughness; delamination resistance; damage mechanisms.

DOI: 10.1504/IJAUTOC.2015.070570

International Journal of Automotive Composites, 2015 Vol.1 No.2/3, pp.281 - 297

Received: 08 Sep 2014
Accepted: 03 Jan 2015
Published online: 10 Jul 2015 *

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