Application of energy methods to modeling failures in composite materials and structures

Abstract

Characterizing the mechanical properties of composite materials is difficult and expensive. There is a legacy for the scale up from basic materials testing to final structures in composites. Each material architecture and manufacturing technique potentially represents a different mechanical response in a structure. Hence, as new composite material forms and manufacturing techniques become available, a need exists to streamline the characterization process. In this study, a new methodology for characterization of composite materials and structures is presented. It has its roots in fracture mechanics, but has been extended to the complexities of composite materials. The methodology is provided along with sample applications. While preliminary, the methodology has the potential for providing a meaningful scaling procedure for the materials / manufacturing / structural performance links for composite materials and structures.