FEM/DEM modelling of hard body impact on the laminated glass

Laminated glass is widely used for structural members in industry. Among all loading types, impact is one of the most adverse forms due to its dynamic effect. In order to investigate how laminated glass fractures under hard body impact and the subsequent fragmentation, the combined finite-discrete element method (FEM/DEM) was employed in this paper. This method discretises a single discrete element in finite elements, giving a more accurate estimate of the contact forces and deformation of the elements. This paper presents the transient responses of a laminated glass beam under impact by using a simple mixed-mode (I + II) elasto-plastic fracture model developed for the FEM/DEM program. The results from this mixed-mode model has been compared and validated with that from Mode I fracture model. A parametric study on the laminated glass is performed based on the mixed-mode model, showing its better energy absorption capacity than monolithic glass and the influence of the interfacial strength on the damage behaviour, demonstrating that laminated glass is safer than the monolithic glass. It also shows that the FEM/DEM modelling and the new mixed-mode (I+II) model is applicable and provides realistic simulations.