15 Sep 2025

Fiber-Reinforced-Polymer (FRP) Composite Sandwich Panel Barge Impact Modeling and Repair Testing: Dynamic and Static Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Predictions for Impact and Flexural Testing Validated with Experiments

Abstract: The US Army Engineer Research and Development Center has studied the functionality, durability, and structural integrity of fiber-reinforced-polymer (FRP) composite materials in civil works infrastructure. Compared to traditional materials like steel, composites offer a high strength-to-density ratio and excellent resistance to environmental degradation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the dynamic response of FRP composite sandwich panels subjected to a barge impact with typical masses and velocities. A finite element model was created for FRP composite sandwich panels by incorporating cohesive interaction properties to evaluate the damage between three-dimensional (3D) layers. To validate the model, several FRP composite sandwich panels were experimentally subjected to low-velocity impacts and compared to the models. Moreover, flexural experiments were performed to determine the reduction of structural performance after impact and the efficacy of two different repair methods. Numerical predictions were developed to explore the damage caused by the interfaces of FRP composite layers. Load, deflection, and velocities were obtained experimentally and with finite element models.

11 Jan 2024

Simulated Barge Impacts on Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (FRP) Composite Sandwich Panels: Dynamic Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to Develop Force Time Histories to Be Used on Experimental Testing

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the dynamic response of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite sandwich panels subjected to typical barge impact masses and velocities to develop force time histories that can be used in controlled experimental testing. Dynamic analyses were performed on FRP composite sandwich panels using the finite element method software Abaqus/Explicit. The “traction-separation” law in the Abaqus software is used to define the cohesive surface interaction properties to evaluate the damage between FRP composite laminate layers as well as the core separation within the sandwich panels. Numerical models were developed to better under-stand the damage caused by barge impacts and the effects of impacts on the dynamic response of composite structures. Force, displacement, and velocity time histories were obtained with finite element modeling for several mass and velocity cases to develop experimental testing procedures for these types of structures.