Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Winter 2-2022

Abstract

Composite structures reinforced with electrically active filaments are modeled with the finite element method while the underlying thermo-electromechanical coupling phenomena and damage are taken into consideration. At the outset, structural analysis is performed with a general-purpose finite element code and a special material routine, which propagates local phenomena to the overall scale is utilized. The material routine implements an interactive, multiscale analysis, which provides seamless integration of the mechanics at the composite’s micro, macro, and structural length scales. The interface between the multiscale material routine and the finite element code is made through nonmechanical strains caused by damage, and piezo/pyro-electric effects of the active fibers. Examples of finite element analysis of inactive and active composite structures sustaining damage illustrate the elaborate analysis that can be performed and the level of detailed local stress fields that can be generated. This includes simulation of damage progression in a laminated composite plate with a hole subjected to mechanical loads. Damage is indicated by the electric displacement computed in the PZT filament reinforcement. Comparison of predicted and measured response of a laminated composite tube subjected to axial load and internal pressure reveal good correlation of the overall response in both the undamaged and damaged states.

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