3D simulation of high velocity ballistic impact on plain weave composites with embedded fbg sensors

High velocity impact is a critical research topic for woven fiber composites. However, due to their complex geometry, difficulty lies in accurately modeling the weave architecture as well as determining the damage propagation throughout the laminate. This paper presents a unified multiseale modeling approach taking into account the influence of strain rate on failure. The procedure is used in the three-dimensional analysis of plain weave composite with surface mounted and embedded fiber Bragg grated (FBG) sensors subjected to high velocity ballistic impact. A failure theory is implemented to study damage propagation through the laminate and preliminary damage characterization is conducted using the FBG sensors. The nonlinear response of the matrix material during impact is modeled using a previously developed strain rate dependent micromechanics model, which is further extended to simulate complex architecture. This micromechanics model is implemented into a user defined material subroutine (VUMAT) in the commercial software ABAQUS/Explicit. Numerical results are presented to validate the micromechanics model and damage propagation through two ply laminates. Preliminary results from the damage characterization studies demonstrate that the FBG sensors are capable of indicating the presence of high velocity (ballistic) impact damage in woven composites.