Meso-scale and multicontinuum modeling of a triaxial braided textile composite
by Schultz, Jarvis A., M.S., UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING, 2009, 136 pages; 1476903

Abstract:

Accurately predicting failure in woven composites requires knowledge of the stress states of the individual constituents that exist within the composite. Multicontinuum Technology provides a computationally efficient way of extracting constituent stresses and strains from a structural-level finite element analysis. Multicontinuum Technology was originally developed for composite materials consisting of two constituents. More recently, it was expanded to enable the extraction of stresses and strains of three constituents for the analysis of a plain weave composite. The present study is to investigate the value in extending the capabilities of Multicontinuum Technology to handle materials with complex heterogeneity that could benefit from the definition of many constituents. To determine the feasibility of this extension, a meso-scale finite element model of a triaxial braid was developed and used as a test case. The approach also included a finite element micromechanics model employed at the fiber-matrix level. Results produced by the models were validated by comparisons to experimental data of effective elastic constants of the material and initial failure loads. The model’s predictions of initial matrix failure were in very good agreement with the limited experimental data. Also, trends predicted for multi-axial load cases are in line with physically intuitive expectations. These results show promise for the success of future research in extending Multicontinuum Technology for application to composites with complex multiscale heterogeneity.

 
AdviserMark R. Garnich
SchoolUNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
SourceMAI/ 48-06, p. , Jul 2010
Source TypeThesis
SubjectsAerospace engineering; Mechanical engineering
Publication Number1476903
Adobe PDF Access the complete dissertation:
 

» Find an electronic copy at your library.
  Use the link below to access a full citation record of this graduate work:
  http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl%3furl_ver=Z39.88-2004%26res_dat=xri:pqdiss%26rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation%26rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:1476903
  If your library subscribes to the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database, you may be entitled to a free electronic version of this graduate work. If not, you will have the option to purchase one, and access a 24 page preview for free (if available).

About ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
With over 2.3 million records, the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database is the most comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses in the world. It is the database of record for graduate research.

The database includes citations of graduate works ranging from the first U.S. dissertation, accepted in 1861, to those accepted as recently as last semester. Of the 2.3 million graduate works included in the database, ProQuest offers more than 1.9 million in full text formats. Of those, over 860,000 are available in PDF format. More than 60,000 dissertations and theses are added to the database each year.

If you have questions, please feel free to visit the ProQuest Web site - http://www.proquest.com - or call ProQuest Hotline Customer Support at 1-800-521-3042.