Prediction of impact performance of plastics mouldings Part 2 Finite element simulations

This paper is concerned with finite element predictions of the impact performance of plastics mouldings using elastic–plastic models. It is the second part of two papers. Part 1 contains detailed descriptions of three elastic–plastic models: von Mises, linear Drucker-Prager and the National Physical Laboratory developed cavitation model plus calculation of the relevant model parameters. This part contains complementary coverage of the elastic plastic models. The main emphasis of this part is the use of these models to predict the deformation of subcomponents cut from interior door trim mouldings supplied by Jaguar Land Rover. Predictions are compared with measurements at a range of loading speeds. The finite element simulation has been analysed by using different element types (solid/shell), different analysis types (rate independent/rate dependent) and studying the influence of friction and impact location. Results are presented of a small study carried out to indicate how sensitive the predictions are to changes in the cavitation model parameters.