Using Virtual Tests to Complete the Description of a Three-Dimensional Orthotropic Material

Abstract

Generalized constitutive models, which can be used in explicit finite-element analysis, are being developed to accurately model composite systems under impact conditions. These models require extensive characterization of the composite material as input—the more sophisticated the model, the larger the amount of required input data. The authors discuss details of the characterization data required for a generalized three-dimensional orthotropic elastoplastic material model that is under development to simulate the impact response of composite materials. The material response data are generated using virtual testing methods in an analytical approach based on the generalized method of cells and a finite-element system. These methods not only complement actual test data by providing an additional layer of verification for experimentally generated stress-strain curves; they also fill in gaps caused by lack of appropriate experimental data (due either to the required experiments not being carried out or to the experiments being too complex to carry out). Verification and validation test cases demonstrate the capabilities of the developed system and show how a general virtual testing framework can be used for characterizing orthotropic composites.