Effect of Manufacturing on the Transverse Response of Polymer Matrix Composites
Abstract
The effect of residual stress build-up on the transverse properties of thermoset composites is studied through direct and inverse process modeling approaches. Progressive damage analysis is implemented to characterize composite stiffness and strength of cured composites microstructures. A size effect study is proposed to define the appropriate dimensions of Representative Volume Elements (RVEs). A comparison between periodic (PBCs) and flat (FBCs) boundary conditions during curing is performed on converged RVEs to establish computationally efficient methodologies. Transverse properties are analyzed as a function of the fiber packing through the nearest fiber distance statistical descriptor. A reasonable mechanical equivalence is achieved for RVEs consisting of 40 fibers. It has been found that process-induced residual stresses and fiber packing significantly contribute to the scatter in composites transverse strength. Variation of ±5% in average strength and 18% in standard deviation are observed with respect to ideally cured RVEs that neglect residual stresses. It is established that process modeling is needed to optimize the residual stress state and improve composite performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jul 28, 2021
- Source ID
- 10.3390/polym13152491
Entities
People
- Marianna Maiaru
- Sagar Shah
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- National Science Foundation