Software Tool for Composite Durability Prediction

Durability is the effect of time dependant processes, including fatigue, creep, moisture absorption, thermal-oxidation, abrasion, chemical reactions and physical ageing on mechanical properties. The ability to predict accurately the durability of composite materials and structures is critical to successfully designing for longevity. The existence of models alone is not sufficient; practical software tools must exist to employ these models reliably and efficiently in design. They must also link the multiple lengthscales at which the physical aspects of these models are based in order to provide an overall integrated tool. During the proposed research, MDC will leverage extensive composite design experience to develop a software tool for rapid durability analysis of proposed repair/upgrade/reinforcement. First, a simple graphical interface will collect information regarding the material system, cure cycle, surface onto which the composite is applied and the anticipated environmental load profile over time. Next, these characteristics will be used within several interactive models to deduce the degraded performance predicted. Finally, figures will represent key mechanical properties of the composite over time, which could use for design purposes. MIT will work with MDC during the course of this research to assist in the experimental validation and calibration of the various composite durability models.