Probabilistic Physics-based design of Composite (and Novel) Materials & Structures for pre-defined Hi-Reliability and Life Expectancy

Composite materials are well-known for the uncertainty in their properties arising from the inherent randomness in fiber, matrix and bonding material properties, in the manufacturing process and in environmental effects. When composite materials are used in any product, the traditional deterministic approach to design which tries to account for these uncertainties by applying arbitrary safety factors is not adequate. Instead, a probabilistic approach whereby the effects of these uncertainties are objectively analyzed must be utilized. The overall objective of this effort is to develop an innovative, physics-based approach for design of composite structures using probabilistic methods. This approach will: (a) result in practical predictive models that will accurately predict the local behavior of composite structures for various failure modes, (b) characterize the uncertainties associated with design variables and/or predictive models, (c) characterize the global behavior and performance of composite structures using commercial finite element software, and (d) implement probabilistic technology through the use of the commercial, off-the-shelf probabilistic software engine, UNIPASS. The technologies to be developed will be used to create practical commercial software for modeling and analysis of advanced composites structures during the Commercialization Phase.