Composite-to-Metal Jointing Technology

Beltran proposes to develop an advanced methodology for analytical prediction of the long-term durability (25 years) of composite materials to be used in design of military facilities. Phase I Project is to outline a methodology concept relevant to emerging carbon fiber epoxy composite materials utilized in wet lay-up form for strengthening building construction and other structural appliations and to experimentally verify the concept validity by using laboratory based accelerated testing. The methodology combines empiric and model methods to characterize lowering of load-bearing capability of composites in function of force-environmental exposure changeable in time. That will be compatible with conventional structural design and analysis procedures providing reliable specification of design knockdowns and/or prediction of structural capability and service life.