Finite element analysis for the progressive failure of frp-reinforced steel component under low-velocity impact

This study proposed a finite element simulation method to analyze the progressive failure of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforced steel component under low-velocity impact. In this method, the Johnson-Cook model and fracture criterion were used to consider the strain rate effect of steel; additionally, a VUMAT subroutine was proposed to discuss the 6 initial failure modes (fiber tension/compression failure, matrix tension/compression failure and in-layer tension/compression delamination failure) and damage evolution of FRP. In order to verify the simulation results, a series of axial low-velocity impact tests on GFRP-reinforced circular steel tube were performed, the comparative study confirmed that the simulations were in good agreement with the test results. Besides, the advantages of proposed VUMAT subroutine were made obviously by comparing to the Puck criterion, the Hashin criterion, and the Chang-Chang criterion.