An engineering approach for predicting impact damage in pressurised glass fibre reinforced pipes

This paper presents an impact testing technique in conjunction with a virtual approach for pressurised composite pipe components, focusing on high and low velocity impact (HVI and LVI) energy levels. Gas gun HVI and drop weight LVI impact tests were conducted on as-received, and pre-stressed pipe sections to validate impact damage predictions using finite element impact modelling methods. The modelling employed a statistical method to obtain the upper/mean/lower bound range of input variables for input in the impact prediction model. The study found that fibre breakage and matrix damage/delamination size due to HVI depend on the stress state at the impact surface. Comparing model predictions and HVI and LVI testing for GFRP pipe material, a simple relationship between impact energy in Joules and surface damage/fibre breakage can be derived. This approach could simplify experimental and virtual impact testing, reducing the number of pressurised pipe tests needed for validation. • Costly Setup : Impact testing of pressurized composite pipe components is expensive. • Numerical Modelling : Simplifying damage response through numerical modelling can optimize and reduce tests. • Virtual Impact Testing : The paper introduces a virtual impact testing technique for high and low velocity impacts (HVI and LVI). • Validation Tests : Gas gun HVI and drop weight LVI tests were conducted for impact energies of 15-200 Joules. • Novel Rig Design : A unique rig design was used to simulate the stress conditions of a pressurized pipe. • Stress State Dependency : Damage predictions showed that fibre breakage and matrix damage/delamination depend on the stress state at the impact surface. • Simplified Relationship : A simple relationship between impact energy and surface damage/fibre breakage was derived for GFRP pipe material. • Reduced Testing : This approach could lead to fewer pressurized pipe tests needed.