Analysis Tools for Composite Laminate Material Properties Prediction

A composite software design tool kit is proposed to predict composite properties using micro-mechanics augmented lamination theory. The capability will overcome shortcomings of progressive failure models and will take into account translaminar and interlaminar failure mechanisms. Starting from lamina properties, strength will be predicted for laminates subjected to tension and compression loading. Generation of allowables using scatter in fiber and matrix material properties and fabrication defects will be carried out by use of probabilistic methods to avoid the testing of large amounts of specimens before there is adequate confidence in the material properties. Integration with finite element approach will be accomplished by synthesis of telescoping composite mechanics from fiber and matrix constituents to laminate level. A significant innovation will be the accounting for damage/micro-crack induced anisotropy of the composite matrix properties. Methods to characterize the material properties under strain rate effects will be included. A commercial composite material characterization software MCQ will be enhanced and integrated into commercial (explicit/implicit) FEM codes for structural scale-up. The capability will consider effect of defects (void shape, size, distribution, and fiber waviness) and will rely on a physics-based micro-mechanics approach to reverse-engineer effective fiber/matrix constituent properties using five ASTM ply in-plane tests as input.