Peridynamics Based Multiscale Modeling of Damage in Thick Composites

Fiber reinforced composites are attractive for several light-weight defense and aerospace applications. However, their inherent anisotropy and complex failure mechanisms limit their use in high-performance structures or components. In order to accurately predict the damage behavior and durability of composite parts exposed to extreme conditions, there is a need to develop new analysis tools that can model the multi-scale interactions within composite parts. In this work, ACT proposes to develop a peridynamics based computational framework which could accurately predict the damage behavior in composites by accounting for the discrete damage processes like matrix cracking, fiber breakage, fiber-matrix shear and delamination. The approach is based on a novel peridynamics methodology which accurately predicts the internal load redistribution arising from local damage and captures the failure of the composite part under different loading conditions. The exact nature of damage evolution and failure will be dependent on complex interactions between the fiber, matrix phases of each ply and inter-ply interactions, in response to the loading environment. This resulting computational framework will enable prediction of damage in naval aircraft components exposed to different loading environments and enable design of better composite structures.