Dynamic behavior of polymer-matrix composite laminates

This chapter provides an overview of behavior of composites under dynamic conditions by assessing a relationship between microscopic properties of fibers and macroscopic parameters of fiber-reinforced plastics (FRPs). So, commonly used fiber materials for dynamic applications are considered (including glass, carbon, aramid, and UHMWPE), while the mechanical behavior and dynamic performance of two major reinforcement configurations (unidirectional (UD) and bidirectional (plain weave)) are assessed. Following a brief introduction, the discussion starts with highlighting the rate-/temperature-dependent mechanical properties of fibers and anisotropic properties of FRPs, extending subsequently to damage mechanisms observed in FRPs. It is followed by the analysis of the response of laminates to impact-induced transverse loading together with factors affecting the ability of composites to absorb energy during dynamic events in Section 4. The final section provides an in-depth synopsis of the methodologies involved in numerical simulations of dynamic behavior of FRPs. The emphasis here is on macroscopic behavior and models proven most robust for 3D stress states in the second World Wide Failure Exercise (WWFE II). The complexity of such approaches and the importance of a balance between computational complexity and performance-applicability is outlined.