Tool for Analysis to Predict Strength and Durability of Curved and Tapered Composite Structures under Multiaxial Loading

Global Engineering and Materials, Inc. (GEM), along with its team member, NIAR at Wichita State University, and its consultant Dr. Imad Hanhan at Purdue University, proposes to develop, validate, demonstrate, and maturate the CB2ATA toolkit to predict the strength and durability of curved and tapered composite structures under multiaxial loading. An integrated experimental and modeling approach will be used for the development of the following capabilities: 1) a user-defined multi-resolution and hybrid element modeling approach; 2) defects mapping based on NDI results; 3) characterization of dual material systems; 4) characterization of static and fatigue damage under multiaxial loading; and 5) a reduced-order model for performance-driven design of representative flexbeams. In addition, NIAR will apply a reliable autoclave procedure to fabricate representative flexbeams with dual materials. The developed test bed will be fully capable of conducting multiaxial static and fatigue tests of scaled flexbeams. Testing and validations will be performed for the representative flexbeams under single-mode and mixed-mode loading associated with tension, bending, and torsion. The GEM team will be in charge of the toolkit development, modeling, fatigue failure prediction, performance-driven tailoring, and technology integration for Navy applications. The NIAR team will assist in the experimental study of the static and fatigue performance of the fabricated flexbeam elements of scaled geometries of an actual flexbeam.