The goal of this thesis was to develop a process to analyze a CFRP impact attenuator
using Abaqus CAE finite element analysis (FEA) software. This was done by first exploring the
Hashin damage model utilized by Abaqus. Next, a FE damage model developed previously [14]
was validated by means of laboratory testing. Finally, the FE damage model was applied to the
geometry of the 2013 nosecone and compared to the quasi-static crush test.