Novel Method to Utilize Multi-scale Physics-based Technique for Crack Path Determination in Fiber-reinforced Composites

Despite their lightweight and superior performance in service, damage in structural composites involves extremely complicated nonlinear processes acting from the micro-scale (e.g., micro-cracking and crazing), to the structural scale (e.g., large cracks and global buckling). Therefore, high fidelity numerical methods and computer simulation has been extensively used to predict fracture and damage process in composite structures. TDA plans to use advanced finite element methods to determine 3D damage progression in composite structures considering discrete failure modes such as matrix cracking, fiber-matrix shear, fiber breakage, and delamination. Advanced numerical methods and computer simulations are utilized in a virtual test lab capable of capturing the damage initiation and growth. Specifically TDAs focus is on building a virtual multi-scale laboratory which will (a) ease the burden of experiments, (b) provide the evolution of three dimensional crack paths in composite material and (c) predict the failure and damages in fiber reinforced composite materials. The required analytical models are developed in the framework of advanced finite element model. Test-Analysis correlations will be made to improve fidelity of model predictions. Fracture path and life of aerospace structural component under realistic loading scenarios will also be determined.