Development of predictive modeling and simulation capabilities for polymer matrix composites structures subjected to steady state and cyclic aggressive environment over extended period of time
Abstract
Project Summary Fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites (PMC) are the prime light-weight material system for naval aircraft today. Since there is very little data on PMC long-term behavior, especially when exposed to harsh climatic conditions, cyclic loading and corrosive fluids, the primary objective of the proposed research is on developing predictive multiscale-multiphysics modeling and simulation capabilities aimed at accounting for the complex interplay between mechanical loading, environmental degradation (intermix of moisture and temperature) and lifing of fiberreinforced polymer matrix composites. Proposed tasks include (i) development of adaptive stochastic scale-separation-free spatial upscaling procedures for woven and fibrous polymer matrix composites that accounts for scatter in material properties and geometry of microconstituents and computational complexity of analyzing multiscale systems, (ii) development of coupled multiphysics model of hygro-thermo-mechanical degradation that accounts for moisture-dependent interface degradation and scale-separation-free model reduction of coupled physics, and (iii) development of temporal upscaling models for hygro-thermomechanical fatigue. The capabilities developed will be validated against component level experiments to be conducted by General Motors and the subcomponent-level experimental data from NAVAIR. Note that while the proposed validation program focusses on a specific component (the Sikorsky CH-53K tail rotor mini-flexbeam), the technologies developed will be applicable to general thick-section composite components. Several past and present research efforts and activities will be leveraged including: (i) collaborative work with General Motors on multiscale modeling and simulation of crash of composite cars as well as on environmental degradation of short fiber thermoplastic polymer matrix composites, (ii) recent collaboration with Joshua McWaters and several other NAVAIR research staff on multiscale modeling and simulation of thick composite section components, and (iii) extensive multiscale software capabilities developed over the past ten years.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141512053
Entities
People
- Jacob Fish
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
- United States Navy