Improving failure sub-models in an orthotropic plasticity-based material model

Theoretical details of two failure criteria implemented in an orthotropic plasticity model are presented. Improvements to the well-known Puck Failure criterion and a recently developed Generalized Tabulated Failure criterion are used to illustrate how to link a failure sub-model to existing deformation and damage sub-models in the context of explicit finite element analysis. These models are implemented in LS-DYNA, a commercial transient dynamic finite element code. Two validation tests are used to evaluate the failure sub-model implementation and improvements - a stacked-ply test carried out at room temperature under quasi-static tensile and compressive loadings, and a high-speed, projectile impact test where there is significant damage and material failure of the impacted panel. Results indicate that developed procedures and improvements provide the analyst with a reasonable and systematic approach to building predictive impact simulation models.