Modeling Techniques for Composites Subjected to Rapid Thermal Pulse Loading

摘要

Composite structures may be subjected to sources of thermal energy including x-rays from nuclear weapons, lasers, and particle beams. This study addresses the need for analysis tools to predict the effects of rapid thermal pulse loading on aerospace composite materials that contain delaminations. A major objective of this study is to determine the feasibility of providing such an engineering design tool. Existing codes have been modified to analyze the stress wave generation and its subsequent interaction with a delamination. The finite difference model for simulation of the stress wave initiation delamination. The finite difference model for simulation of the stress wave initiation includes the thermomechanical coupling and a general equation of state model to account for phase changes. A singular finite element model is employed to account for the stress singularity near a delamination within the anisotropic composite plies. Tests have been conducted to ensure that the singular element is applicable to the present problem.