Energy Dissipation Characterization and Design Methodology for Composite Materials

Various damages develop in composite laminates. Significant load re distribution can occur due to growth of such damages. The strain energy dissipation (SED) approach and associated specimens provide a means for quick and efficient characterization of the linear and nonlinear responses at the laminate and/or ply level. This Phase I proposes to use current design methods, the SED concept and other approaches to analyze the performances of standard characterization specimens as well as a number of analog experiments with a few selected structural elements. Appropriate nonlinear constitutive laws and finite element and/or other methods of analyses will be employed and the results will be compared with available test data. Design optimizations with alternative materials will also be attempted to determine the advantages of the SED concept as compared to standard design methodologies. Alternative approaches will be suggested for the development of a certification methodology using the SED concept and associated analytical and characterization methodologies. Benefits of such approaches will be investigated and one of them will be selected for use in Phase II for demonstration and validation.