Innovative Methodology for Composite Structure Allowables and Analytical Validation (MSC P4173)

ABSTRACT:Development and use of new composite materials is imperative for continued advancement of airframe and engine systems.In order to facilitate the accelerated insertion of new composite materials, there is a need for an improved analysis methodology that allows designers to reduce the time and cost associated with material and structural development and test programs.The goal of the proposed research is to develop, demonstrate, and validate a linked knowledge-base-type set of analysis tools that facilitate development of material design data for composite structures.The composite analysis methodology will include important mechanical behaviors of the material in a form that can be used as a stand-alone engineering tool, or linked to a comprehensive set of analysis tools, that reside at major airframe and engine design organizations, for filling out and extending the property trends.BENEFIT:The product of this SBIR program will be a set of computational tools for quickly and reliably predicting the fundamental mechanical properties and strengths of fiber reinforced composite materials.It is expected that accelerated insertion of materials will be facilitated through development of linked engineered material databases, which are capable of conducting quick virtual testing of laminates, i.e., supplemented by limited physical testing, rather than proceeding directly to complete experimental characterization.This toolset is expected to include property correlation, trends, and factors.Key tests required to characterize a new material system will be documented.Development, validation, and commercialization of this tool-set for both military and commercial aircraft and engine systems are the ultimate goals of this program.