Finite element analysis and energy recovery calculation of carbon fiber composite based on ANSYS software

Purpose: To study the response under impact load of carbon fiber reinforced composite materials that have excellent mechanical properties. Design/methodology/approach: Finite element analysis of unidirectional plates was conducted under unsymmetrical impact load based on drop weight impact test. At the macroscopic scale, a finite element model was built on ANSYS/LS-DYNA, which took the impact response of carbon fiber unidirectional plates as unknown quantity. The model considered the macroscopic response of carbon fiber unidirectional plates under different initial conditions, from the aspects of stress, strain, energy change and deformation degree of unidirectional plates. Finally, a mathematical model of energy recovery of carbon fiber composite materials under partial impact load was established, and the energy recovery amount under different fiber orientations was calculated on MATLAB. Findings: The impact energy absorbed by the unidirectional plate is the largest when the fiber orientation is 30°. To improve the impact resistance of unidirectional plates under unsymmetrical impact load, laying schemes should be avoided at fiber orientations of 0°, 15° and 60°, and be recommended at 30°, 45°, and 75°. For impact velocity, 4.71 and 7.54 m/s should be avoided, while 2 m/s is recommended. For the impact weight, 50 and 250 kg weights should be avoided, and 150 and 200 kg weights are recommended. Originality/value: This model not only provides reference for similar impact resistance research, but also predicts the impact response of unidirectional plates under different initial loads in the future. It can also provide reference for the structure using carbon fiber composite materials to achieve lightweight.