Compression after impact test analysis of CFRP laminate by quasi three-dimensional XFEM using hexahedron element

Abstract

A quasi-three-dimensional extend finite element method (XFEM) is applied to damage propagation analyses of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) laminate. An eight-node quadrilateral interface element and an eight-node hexahedral continuum element enriched with only the Heaviside function are used to model delamination and matrix cracks, respectively. Zig-zag enhanced cohesive zone model is introduced to a delamination and a matrix crack. The implicit static method is then used to solve system equations considering material nonlinearity. The results of damage propagation analyses were compared with experimental results obtained by the quasi-static indentation tests, and compression-after-impact tests. It was shown that the quasi-three-dimensional XFEM is an effective method for damage propagation analysis of CFRP laminates.