Numerical and predictive analysis of the low-velocity impact response of UD composite plate under a controlled environment

The present paper proposes an investigation and analysis study of a low velocity impact on a unidirectional S2-Glass/Polyester composite plate subject to a controlled environment. A set of simulations of low velocity impact on unaged and aged samples in a bending configuration were carried out. A mass diffusion is studied in order to use its outputs as a predefined field which will be combined with the velocity of the impact loads. The diffusive and mechanical responses, such as moisture concentration, the effect of temperature, energy dissipation and impact force are highlighted and analysed. To ensure the validity of the finite element model, a comparison study has been carried out and compared against experimental investigation founded in the literature. The adopted finite element model performance for the low velocity impacted composite plate under hygrothermal conditions strongly matches with the experimental findings and represents a clear improvement of the model. The impact of the moisture concentration on recorded contact force and energy is highlighted, particularly the delayed contact time and the reduction of the contact forces and the recorded energies intensity. Accordingly, two main factors have affected the contact force responses. These two factors are the drop height and the humidity concentration. An analysis of the maximum contact forces using the design of experiments (DOE) is performed. The effect of both factors namely, the drop height and the humidity concentration, on the response is highlighted as well as the effect of their interaction. The predictive model is highly effective and eases the reproducibility of other mechanical responses.