High-Energy Dynamic Impact Modeling of an AS4D/PEKK-FC Composite Using LS-DYNA MAT213

Abstract

As part of the NASA Hi-Rate Composite Aircraft Manufacturing (HiCAM) Project, multiple thermoplastic composite systems are being considered as candidates for enabling a more rapid production of composite aircraft components. Various analysis methods are being explored to evaluate their capabilities and applicability to simulating the progressive failure of thermoplastic composites. One of these approaches is based on using the MAT213 material model, a tabulated composite material model recently integrated into the commercial release of Ansys LS-DYNA. For this study, a Solvay APC AS4D/PEKK-FC unidirectional tape composite system was analyzed. A MAT213 input deck was generated for this composite utilizing data from standard composite coupon tests. A series of singleelement verification exercises were performed to evaluate the correct performance of MAT213. These model inputs were then implemented into a high energy dynamic impact (HEDI) ply-by-ply model of a flat 32-ply quasi-isotropic specimen. A tie-break contact model, implemented separately from MAT213, was used to simulate delamination between individual plies. Comparisons, including deformations, damage/delamination sizes, and penetration threshold, are made to test data for a variety of impact velocities. The results demonstrate that MAT213 is a viable option for simulating progressive failure in thermoplastic composite systems under HEDI loads.