A multiscale numerical analysis of the impact behaviour of woven materials using equivalent microscopic fibres with 3D shell elements

A numerical approach involves utilizing 3D shell elements in place of solid elements to model microscopic primary yarns within a 2D woven fabric. This innovation draws from the proven efficacy of 3D shell elements in simulating the impact behaviour of extended yarns, leading to notable reductions in computational time through decreased degrees of freedom. The microscopic model, utilizing a simplified equivalent fibre concept, is successfully represented by 3D shell elements, confirmed by validating the method on yarn and fabric impact behaviours up to rupture. Comparative analyses between this and a verified mesoscopic model underscore the superior description of microscopic mechanisms by 3D shell elements. Validation is further strengthened through qualitative comparisons with impact tests on yarns.