Numerical Study on the Impact Resistance of a Composite Engine Hood

The effects of impact inclination angles and positions on the dynamic response, interface delamination damage, and head injury criterion (HIC) of an automobile hood with a carbon fiber/glass fiber hybrid composite structure are evaluated. The stacking sequence of carbon fiber/glass fiber hybrid composite laminates is optimized using a progressive damage finite element model. Considering the EURO-NCAP regulation requirements, a 3D finite element model, that takes into account the interface delamination damage of the hood with the optimized layup sequence, is established to simulate the effects of different impact angles and positions of the head form model on the vehicle hood composite structure. The hazard associated with the impact condition of the composite engine hood aggravates when the incident angle exceeds 60 degrees. Impact point D is a hard point with the largest peak force, energy absorption, HIC, and delamination damage area values for the composite hood.

Automated summary

This study evaluates the effects of impact inclination angles and positions on the dynamic response, interface delamination damage, and head injury criterion (HIC) of an automobile hood with a carbon fiber/glass fiber hybrid composite structure. Through optimizing the stacking sequence, a 3D finite element model that considers the interface delamination damage is established to simulate the impact effects. The results show that the hazard associated with the impact condition of the composite engine hood worsens when the incident angle exceeds 60 degrees.