Simulation of CFRP components subjected to dynamic crash loads

Abstract

This paper deals with the investigation of a numerical simulation method to appropriately represent relevant failure mechanisms of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) components subjected to dynamic crash loads. The presented work considers the stacked shell approach, using a stack of continuum shell elements and cohesive elements, and focuses on the calibration of simulation input parameters. Furthermore, modeling aspects are discussed to reduce mesh-dependencies for the simulation of progressive crushing. The validation of the numerical approach is performed on the basis of an extensive test program of CFRP crush absorbers on the structural level. The capability of current state-of-the-art technologies for the simulation of progressive crushing is identified. The simulations capture general failure effects and force-displacement characteristics for different designs and loading conditions. Drawbacks are identified in the definition of cohesive input parameters to obtain numerical stability for complex loading conditions. The numerical simulations were performed using the commercial finite element software Abaqus/Explicit.