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Article
An integrated framework for solid modeling and structural analysis of layered composites with defects
Computer-Aided Design
  • Onur Rauf Bingol, Iowa State University
  • Bryan Schiefelbein, Iowa State University
  • Robert J. Grandin, Iowa State University
  • Stephen D. Holland, Iowa State University
  • Adarsh Krishnamurthy, Iowa State University
Document Type
Article
Publication Version
Accepted Manuscript
Publication Date
1-1-2019
DOI
10.1016/j.cad.2018.07.006
Abstract

Laminated fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are widely used in aerospace and automotive industries due to their combined properties of high strength and low weight. However, owing to their complex structure, it is difficult to assess the impact of manufacturing defects and service damage on their residual life. Non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of composites using ultrasonic testing (UT) can identify the presence of defects. However, manually incorporating the damage in a CAD model of a multi-layered composite structure and evaluating its structural integrity is a tedious process. We have developed an automated framework to create a layered 3D CAD model of a composite structure and automatically preprocess it for structural finite element (FE) analysis. In addition, we can incorporate flaws and known composite damage automatically into this CAD model. The framework generates a layer-by-layer 3D structural CAD model of the composite laminate, replicating its manufacturing process. The framework can create non-trivial composite structures such as those that include stiffeners. Outlines of structural defects, such as delaminations detected using UT of the laminate, are incorporated into the CAD model between the appropriate layers. The framework is also capable of incorporating fiber/matrix cracking, another common defect observed in fiber-reinforced composites. Finally, the framework can preprocess the resulting 3D CAD models with defects for direct structural analysis by automatically applying the appropriate boundary conditions. In this paper, we show a working proof-of-concept of the framework with capabilities of creating composite structures with stiffeners, incorporating delaminations between the composite layers, and automatically preprocessing the CAD model for finite element structural analysis. The framework will ultimately aid in accurately assessing the residual life of the composite and making informed decisions regarding repairs.

Comments

This is a manuscript of an article published as Bingol, Onur Rauf, Bryan Schiefelbein, Robert J. Grandin, Stephen D. Holland, and Adarsh Krishnamurthy. "An integrated framework for solid modeling and structural analysis of layered composites with defects." Computer-Aided Design 106 (2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.cad.2018.07.006. Posted with permission.

Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International
Copyright Owner
Elsevier Ltd.
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
Onur Rauf Bingol, Bryan Schiefelbein, Robert J. Grandin, Stephen D. Holland, et al.. "An integrated framework for solid modeling and structural analysis of layered composites with defects" Computer-Aided Design Vol. 106 (2019) p. 1 - 12
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/robert_grandin/16/