Composite Damage Evaluation Tool (MSC P8053)

Materials Sciences Corporation (MSC) has plans to modify and enhance an existing modeling approach for damaged composites to address the problem of damage evaluation and repair in composite structures. The discrete damage space homogenization method, or DDSHM, uses a finite element model of a representative volume element (RVE) of material. The analysis includes explicitly modeling of all the possible crack locations within the RVE. By cycling through all the possible crack length combinations and recording energy changes, the system can build up a nonlinear material model that accounts for damage evolution. The nonlinear material model is then used in a conventional structural analysis of a damaged element to determine residual strength. The method will be validated using a series of coupons that provide baseline data, and will demonstrate the ability of the system to track damage growth. MSC will create a software plan that will show how this central element of a complete system will be integrated with nondestructive inspection information, and precompiled parametric finite element models of typical structural elements and repairs. BENEFIT: The proposed research will lead to a software system that can rigorously capture the effects of damage on composite structures. The system will have a direct impact on the ability of Air Force, Navy, and commercial airlines to support composite structures. It will enable operators to determine if repair is necessary, and whether a proposed repair will be effective in returning the structure back to its original performance levels.