A Novel Implementation of the LDEM in the Ansys LS-DYNA Finite Element Code

Area of Science:

• Computational mechanics
• Materials science
• Structural engineering

Background:

• Sandwich panels are crucial in various industries due to their high stiffness-to-weight ratio.
• Accurate prediction of fracture behavior in sandwich panels under bending is essential for structural integrity.
• Existing numerical methods may have limitations in capturing complex fracture mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel hybrid model by implementing the Lattice Discrete Element Method (LDEM) within the Ansys LS-DYNA finite element code.
• To evaluate the fracture behavior of sandwich panels subjected to bending loads using the developed LDEM-Ansys LS-DYNA model.
• To validate the proposed model against experimental tests and subsequently apply it to four-point bending scenarios.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of the Lattice Discrete Element Method (LDEM) in the Ansys LS-DYNA finite element analysis software.
• Numerical simulation of sandwich panels under three-point and four-point bending conditions.
• Validation of the numerical model through comparison with experimental data from three-point bending tests.

Main Results:

• The LDEM-Ansys LS-DYNA model successfully predicted failure mechanisms and damage locations in sandwich panels.
• Numerical load-deflection curves generated by the model showed good agreement with experimental findings.
• The study demonstrated the model's capability to analyze fracture behavior under different bending configurations.

Conclusions:

• The novel hybrid LDEM-Ansys LS-DYNA model provides a reliable tool for assessing sandwich panel fracture.
• The validated model enhances the understanding of failure modes in sandwich structures under bending.
• This implementation offers a promising approach for advanced numerical analysis in structural engineering.