Orthotropic node-separation finite element method for composite laminate in hypervelocity impact simulation

This paper reports a finite element modeling approach to simulate the hypervelocity impact (HVI) response of composite laminate. Node–separation finite element (NSFE) method based on scalar–element–fracture technique for isotropic material in HVI simulation has been presented in the previous study. To extend NSFE to composite materials, an orthotropic node-separation finite element (ONSFE) method is developed. This approach employs an orthotropic continuum material model and a corresponding orthotropic–element–fracture technique to represent the HVI behavior/damage of composite laminate. A series of HVI simulations are conducted and the developed ONSFE method is validated by comparing with the experimental data. The simulation results show that ONSFE can successfully capture the HVI phenomena of composite laminate, such as the orthotropic property, nonlinear shock response, perforation, fiber breakage and delamination. Finally, a HVI event of Whipple shield is simulated and the computational capability of ONSFE for predicting the damage state of the composite bumper is further evaluated.