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

Composites are increasingly used in components for defense applications as well as commercial structures. They are generally exposed to microstructural damage and thermo-mechanical loading, leading to physical property degradation. It is a very challenging task to predict all possible failure modes (matrix cracking, fiber breakage, delamination) because damage initiation and its progressive growth are very complex, and commonly accepted methods have had limited success. There is no existing analysis capability that can predict all possible failure modes in composites under multi-axial loading conditions and multiple-load paths. A nonlocal peridynamic theory overcomes the weaknesses of the existing methods, and it is capable of identifying all of the failure modes without simplifying assumptions. It effectively predicts complex failure modes in composites under general loading conditions. The proposed method will employ peridynamics to predict failure modes and damage paths as well as the residual strength of advanced composite structures under static and cyclic loading conditions. The predictions will be validated and verified by comparison with existing data and other methods.