Assessing the current modelling approach for predicting the crashworthiness of Formula One composite structures

Abstract

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Computational modelling of the crushing of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer composites

“…There are two SISs mounted on each side of the car, an upper and lower one, each with a different lay-up. In the study detailed in [ 16 ], and discussed briefly here, the upper SIS was modelled and is shown in figure 11 . This structure was made from 5HS woven CFRP and has a relatively complex geometry, with a varying cross-section along its crush length, different curvatures, ply drop-offs and an internal rib.…”

“…As a result, the ability of CFRP structures to absorb energy in a crash scenario has been the subject of considerable interest (e.g. [2,[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]). CFRP crash structures are also more sensitive to initial crush conditions such that an appropriate 'trigger' needs to be considered to initiate a failure process that maximizes energy absorption [17,18].…”

Development of a 3D finite element model at mesoscale for the crushing of unidirectional composites: Application to plates crushing

“…Models can be classified in two categories: non predictive and predictive ones. For example, models based on CZone add-on from Abaqus [10,11] are not expected to be able to predict the crushing force as the average crushing stress of the laminate is an input of the model and is known to be strongly dependant on the material, the stacking sequence, and the geometry [2,4]. In the same vein, the use of only one element in the thickness of a laminate [12][13][14][15] cannot represent the complex crushing front with delamination and splaying observed in most of the crushing tests, even if the calibration of the damage law parameters sometimes allows to reach a quite good level of force and energy.…”

An innovative fixture for testing the crashworthiness of composite materials

“…A more detailed description of the failure modes of composite materials can be found in the literature [4,5]. Several studies have been carried out to predict through numerical simulations the crash behavior of complex composite components but, at present, there are no standard experimental procedures available in the literature [6][7][8][9][10]. The availability of a standard testing procedure to assess the material properties required by material cards used in simulation software would certainly increase the efficiency of the design process and reduce the related costs.…”

“…The present paper reports the design of an innovative fixture for testing the crashworthiness of flat composite specimens under dynamic load. The device is designed to be fully integrated in a drop tower testing system to replicate the dynamic effects that occur during a crash, that only few studies have addressed using a flat specimen [10,22,24]. The work represents a first step in the process of defining a standard testing procedure for the assessment of crash properties of composite materials through in-plane impact loads.…”