Numerical and experimental investigation of impact performances of cast and stretched polymethyl methacrylate panels

In this study, numerical and experimental analysis of impact performances of cast polymethyl methacrylate (CPMMA) and stretched polymethyl methacrylate (SPMMA) panels were conducted. First, the material characterization tests (tensile and compression tests as well as split Hopkinson pressure bar tests) of CPMMA and SPMMA materials were performed to determine the Johnson-Cook material model parameters to be used in the finite element models. Next, impact tests were performed for CPMMA and SPMMA panels. The velocity of the impactor before and after penetration was measured and the deformation patterns are recorded. Then, finite element models were generated using LS-DYNA to simulate the impact tests. Finally, the impact performances of the CPMMA and SPMMA panels were compared. It is found that CPMMA has better impact performance than SPMMA for the impact velocities investigated in this study.