My research focuses on improving the simulation of impact and damage in advanced composite structures for aerospace and space applications, with particular attention to mission-critical scenarios such as pressurized lunar rovers. The main challenge is that composite impact response is governed by multiple interacting mechanisms (matrix cracking, fibre failure, and delamination), often producing Barely Visible Impact Damage (BVID), with strong nonlinearities, possible rate effects, and high computational cost when using fully 3D detailed models. 

To address these issues, I work within the MUL2 finite-element framework using refined 1D/2D structural theories derived from the Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF). CUF provides a compact, unified way to generate higher-order and layer-wise models, enabling accurate through-thickness stress and strain predictions while retaining computational efficiency compared to conventional solid-element discretizations. My simulations adopt layer-wise 2D descriptions to capture the three-dimensional displacement field across plies and interfaces, which is essential for predicting delamination initiation and growth.

A central part of my activity is low-velocity impact (LVI) modelling of composite plates. I implement and assess explicit nonlinear impact strategies including: (i) contact modelling (node-to-surface discretization), (ii) interlaminar damage through cohesive formulations, and (iii) intralaminar damage using the 3D Hashin failure criterion. I investigate the sensitivity of the impact response to modelling choices (e.g., mesh effects on impact force histories) and extract physically meaningful outputs such as force–displacement curves, through-thickness stress distributions, and predicted delamination patterns at ply interfaces, often showing stronger delamination toward the back face under impact.

Building on the current LVI capabilities (initially focused on material nonlinearity), my ongoing and planned work extends the framework toward higher-velocity impact and broader hazard assessment. This includes introducing rate-dependent constitutive and strength effects for both intralaminar failure (rate-dependent Hashin strengths) and cohesive interfaces (rate-sensitive peak tractions and/or fracture energies), as well as improved contact subroutines and element deletion/erosion beyond damage thresholds to represent perforation and severe degradation.

In parallel, I am developing expertise in hypervelocity impact relevant to micro-meteoroid and orbital debris environments, reviewing meteoroid flux models and shield concepts (e.g., Whipple and multi-shock shields), and exploring suitable numerical approaches (e.g., peridynamics and commercial tools such as LS-DYNA for reference cases). Overall, my research aims to deliver enabling simulation tools that support design decisions by predicting impact-driven dynamic response and damage in composite aerospace structures with an efficient, multi-fidelity modelling strategy.

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