HIGH-TEMPERATURE POLYMER MATRIX COMPOSITES DESIGN THROUGH SENSITIVITY ANALYSES OF MICROSTRUCTURES
Abstract
This project aims to elucidate the eects of high temperature on initiation of cracks and accumu- lation of damage in discontinuous ber-reinforced polymer matrix composites (DFR-PMC). These composites are light and durable, and are anticipated for high-temperature applications in aero- nautical components such as nacelles, fan cases, or engine compressor stages. DFR-PMCs provide design exibility in molding while reducing weight and cost, improving fuel eciency and decreasing emissions. Differential shrinkage of matrix and reinforcement and concomitant chemical changes degrade structures and interfaces. This degradation is compounded by the external loading at elevated temperatures, creating a complex stress state of the material and increasing the rate of oxidative aging. Experimental works concluded that the factors above are the main contributors to the progressively coupled damage accumulation leading to failure. To advance the knowledge of degradation mechanisms, it is currently imperative to develop a comprehensive theoretical framework that is able to take into account not just each of these factors in isolation but also the complex interactions between them. In response to these challenges, the present project integrates physics-based constitutive models, a new specialized numerical procedure, and sensitivity analysis. It will advance scientic knowledge of the durability of composite materials at elevated temperatures. More specically, the outcome will provide the understanding for (1) quantitative strain distribution, (2) transient damage characteristics, (3) effects of microstructural statistics, and (4) prediction of failure mechanisms under high-temperature conditions. A thorough numerical study of the framework s predictions will be cross-validated by experimental results. The ultimate objective is to leverage the newly gained fundamental understanding of the behavior of composites to design new, reliable and multifunctional materials.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2021
- Source ID
- FA95502010281
Entities
People
- Maryam Shakiba
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- Virginia Tech