Simplified Analytical Procedure for Prediction of Fracture Damage in Composite Structures (MSC P1B16-203)

A software package is needed that can efficiently model typical composite bonded and co-cured joints used in Naval ship construction. This package must be able to accurately compute the strain-energy-release-rate for user defined cracks. During the PhaseI, Materials Sciences Corporation demonstrated that an existing code called SUBLAM could perform these operations efficiently and accurately. SUBLAM uses closed-form solutions of high-order plate assemblages. Additional analysis features were addedduring the Phase I, and a graphical user interface (GUI) for the code was begun. The Phase II program is designed to bring the code to commercial readiness, including completion of the GUI. Critically needed analysis features will be added, including theability to handle non-plate regions such as fillers and irregular core shapes. Documentation, testing, and verification are also featured in the Phase II program. The completion of the Phase II program will result in an analysis tool that is clearlyneeded by the composite shipbuilding community. Currently, engineers that are not specialist in composites and fracture mechanics do not have a viable method for predicting the strength of many joints used in composite construction. The planned productwill provide this critically needed tool. The immediate impact will be on ships such as DDX and Composite High-Speed Vessel (CHSV) that make extensive use of composites. However, the market can easily be extended to other composite applications includingaircraft, ground vehicles, and infrastructure applications.