Integrated Analysis Tools for Determination of Structural Integrity and Durability of High temperature Polymer Matrix Composites

摘要

This report outlines an approach to reducing implementation cycle time for high temperature polymer matrix composites (PMCs) using integrated high fidelity physical models in preference to exhaustive experimentation and testing. The fundamental mechanisms of thermo-oxidative degradation of high temperature PMCs were studied and a three dimensional finite element modeling approach was developed that represents degradation, aging and oxidation effects. The effect of composite microstructure on damage development mechanisms was also explored using the finite element method. Digital Image Correlation was used to measure local (fiber level) stress and strain profiles in composites subjected to complex (bending) load conditions. Statistical analysis methods were also developed that may allow the relationship between composite architecture and variability in performance to be determined from measurable material attributes rather than large test databases.