Multiscale modeling framework to predict the low-velocity impact and compression after impact behaviors of plain woven CFRP composites

A multiscale modeling framework including microscale, mesoscale and macroscale models, is developed to investigate the low-velocity impact (LVI) and compression after impact (CAI) behaviors of plain woven carbon-fiber-reinforced-polymer (CFRP) composites. Representative volume elements (RVEs) are selected to construct the microscale and mesoscale models, which are further used to compute the effective properties of the carbon-fiber yarn and CFRP composites. An equivalent cross-ply laminate (ECPL) model is used to simplify the woven architecture via a local homogenization approach. The macroscale model of plain woven CFRP composites is established by extending the ECPL model. The LVI and CAI behaviors of CFRP composites are predicted for various impact energy cases. Finally, the corresponding LVI and CAI tests have been performed on plain woven CFRP composites, and the experimental measurements agree well with the numerical simulations, indicating the reliability of the multiscale modeling framework. Importantly, both the experimental and numerical results reveal that the impact damages, especially the intralaminar damages, are prone to cause the decrease of the residual compressive strength of impacted plain woven composites.