Efficient prediction of damage resistance and tolerance of composite aerospace structures

Abstract The present work introduces efficient methodologies based on the finite-element method for a quick evaluation of damage resistance and damage tolerance of composite aerospace structures. Monolithic, stringer-stiffened structures, and sandwich structures are considered. The presented methodologies cover the simulation of the dynamic response of a structure during a low velocity impact event including the prediction of the internal non-visible or barely visible damage that develops during the impact. Additionally, methods for the prediction of the compression-after-impact strength are presented. In order to permit an accurate and efficient calculation of deformations and stresses in sandwich structures, special finite-element formulations have been developed. A comparison of simulation results with experimental data is presented for a two-stringer monolithic panel and for a honeycomb sandwich plate. The examples demonstrate that the presented methodologies can be used to quickly assess the damage tolerance of composite structures.

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