A Damage Tolerant Design System for Polymeric Matrix Composite Components

The overall goal of the proposed effort is to develop and market a high technology, dual-use product in the form of a system to implement advanced Damage Tolerant Design technology in both military and commercial applications involving the use of high temperature polymeric matrix composites (PMCs). The product will directly and immediately benefit the IHPTET program. The development of the system will involve non-destructive evaluation (NDE), limited laboratory testing, mechanics modeling, and system integration disciplines. The achievement of the goal will require innovative research and development (R&D) effort to be performed in Phase I. The IR&D effort will focus on developing and assessing the feasibility of a mechanistic method for determining residual strength and life of PMC engine components under general spectrum loading and service temperature and environmental conditions of interest. The development of a mechanistic model is a necessary pre-requisite to developing an integrated system needed by test engineers and designers of both military and commercial aircraft engines and structures, and by engineers in several other industries.