On the applicability of rate-dependent cohesive zone models in low-velocity impact simulation

This paper studied the applicability of logarithmic, exponential and power cohesive zone models by carrying out experiments and simulations of low-velocity impact on composite laminates. The results show that the dynamic mechanical response and delamination damage under low-velocity impact simulated by the logarithmic rate-dependent CZM have the best agreement with experimental ones than other two models. The delamination damage simulated by exponential model are significantly higher than experimental results, which indicates that the delamination initiation strength and fracture toughness are less estimated under impacting load. The simulation by power model also generally has a good agreement with experimental result but the predicted dynamic mechanical response is a little bit worse than logarithmic model. This study suggests that logarithmic rate-dependent CZM is optimal during low-velocity impact simulation, followed by power model and exponential model.