Non-linear dynamic analysis of composite conical shell structures

Abstract

One of the main objectives of aircraft and automotive manufacturers is related to improvement of the crash behaviour of lightweight structures. The absorbed energy is an important parameter for the development of the vehicle passive security concept. In present paper, the composite laminate of conical shell structures subjected to slip loading are studied by using finite element method. ANSYS/LS-DYNA finite element software was used in this analysis, the effect of geometrical on energy absorption chrematistics and failure modes are investigated. The kinetic energy and energy absorption capability is calculated. In the case of composite, the crush-induced damage including matrix cracking and delamination are predicted by the failure mechanism and damage history is plotted. Five types of semi-vertex angle (β) of conical tubes of 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 degrees are considered in this work. The effects of various semi-vertex angles of conical shell on the energy absorption capability and failure mechanism are considered. Results of energy absorption and failure modes of composite collapsible structures demonstrated that the conical shell it has semi-vertex angle (β) of 8 degrees absorb high specific energy and different crushing failure modes during the crushing analysis under slip loading.