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This paper deals with the investigation of a numerical simulation method to appropriately represent relevant failure mechanisms of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) components subjected to dynamic crash loads. The presented work considers the stacked shell approach, using a stack of continuum shell elements and cohesive elements, and focuses on the calibration of simulation input parameters. Furthermore, modeling aspects are discussed to reduce mesh-dependencies for the simulation of progressive crushing. The validation of the numerical approach is performed on the basis of an extensive test program of CFRP crush absorbers on the structural level. The capability of current state-of-the-art technologies for the simulation of progressive crushing is identified. The simulations capture general failure effects and force-displacement characteristics for different designs and loading conditions. Drawbacks are identified in the definition of cohesive input parameters to obtain numerical stability for complex loading conditions. The numerical simulations were performed using the commercial finite element software Abaqus/Explicit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper treats the dynamic response and energy absorption of aluminum foam-filled conical tubes under axial impact loading using non-linear finite element techniques. The influence of geometrical, material and loading parameters on the impact response is investigated using validated numerical models. Results are quantified in terms of important impact response parameters and indicate that the foam filler stabilizes the crushing process and thus improves the energy absorption capacity. The superior performance of foam-filled conical tubes as impact energy absorbers is evident from the results. The research information generated will be useful in developing guidance towards the design of these devices in impact applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]