Effect of thickness-to-radius ratio on the impact response of fabric-reinforced composite shells

This study analyses the effect of thickness-to-radius (t/R) ratio on the dynamic response of fabric-reinforced composite shells subjected to low-velocity impact loads using 3D finite element models validated by experimental results. Focus is given to the t/R ratio's influence on energy dissipat...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Marques Ferreira, Luis Miguel, Coelho, Carlos A.C.P., Reis, Paulo Nobre Balbis
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Sevilla (US)
Repositorio:idUS. Depósito de Investigación de la Universidad de Sevilla
OAI Identifier:oai:idus.us.es:11441/171620
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/11441/171620
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tws.2025.113279
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Thin-Walled Shells
Thick-Walled Shells
Composite Materials
Impact Response
Energy Dissipation
Damage Propagation
Finite Element Analysi
Descripción
Sumario:This study analyses the effect of thickness-to-radius (t/R) ratio on the dynamic response of fabric-reinforced composite shells subjected to low-velocity impact loads using 3D finite element models validated by experimental results. Focus is given to the t/R ratio's influence on energy dissipation and damage modes. For thick-walled shells (t/R > 0.05) the peak force and contact time increases as the curvature decreses (i.e., with a larger radius), while the maximum displacement decreases. On the other hand, thin-walled shells (t/R < 0.05) exhibit lower peak forces, larger displacements, and longer contact times as the curvature decreases. This transition indicates the existence of a critical point around the radius of 50 mm (t/R = 0.05). The main mechanism for energy dissipation in thick-walled shells is intralaminar damage, and its contribution decreases with increasing radius, whereas for thin-walled shells, friction and delamination determine the absorption of impact energy. In terms of damage propagation patterns, thick-walled shells show localized intra- and interlaminar damage, while thin-walled shells evidence a cross-like intralaminar pattern with more extensive delamination.