Multiscale Virtual Testing Capability for Composites (MUVITCAPCOM)
Abstract
The increased replacement of metals by composite materials has presented new challenges to engineers. The reasons are firstly related to the highly complex failure mechanisms of composite materials, but also to the uncertainties introduced in the material properties by the manufacturing process. Due to this lack of knowledge, the traditional way to tackle material certification is through a combination of extensive and costly experimental campaigns and advanced computational methods. This process involves mechanical characterization and ‘virtual testing’ at varying levels of detail, from small coupons, panels, and subcomponents, up to the final global structure. Nonlinear numerical analysis based on the Finite Element (FE) method have been employed with great effect to increase confidence in the large scale and expensive structural tests that are required before certification, as well as to understand in more detail the likelihood, causes and consequences of structural failure. There are complementary capabilities and features between AFRL’s and IMDEA’s modeling approaches, and each have their advantages and contain particular features that could be beneficially transferred to the other. Hence, a research collaboration between AFRL and IMDEA Materials is proposed that is to be guided by the following: 1) The sharing of experience and knowledge in experimental and computational micromechanics techniques to increase confidence on the methods and enhance each other’s capabilities. 2) The improvement of each other’s methods and approaches by implementing the best available features. 3) The progress beyond the state of the art by filling current gaps in knowledge of material properties, increasing material representativeness, improving experimental and computational methods, and extending simulation capabilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 2022
- Source ID
- FA95501917036
Entities
People
- Carlos E. Gonzalez
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- IMDEA Materials
- United States Air Force