An endochronic theory for transversely isotropic fibrous composites

A rational methodology of modelling both nonlinear and elastic dissipative response of transversely isotropic fibrous composites is developed and illustrated with the aid of the observed response of graphite-polyimide off-axis coupons. The methodology is based on the internal variable formalism employed within the text of classical irreversible thermodynamics and entails extension of Valanis' endochronic theory to transversely isotropic media. Applicability of the theory to prediction of various response characteristics of fibrous composites is illustrated by accurately modelling such often observed phenomena as: stiffening reversible behavior along fiber direction; dissipative response in shear and transverse tension characterized by power-laws with different hardening exponents; permanent strain accumulation; nonlinear unloading and reloading; and stress-interaction effects

Temperature-dependent tensile and shear response of graphite/aluminum

The thermo-mechanical response of unidirectional P100 graphite fiber/6061 aluminum matrix composites was investigated at four temperatures:-150, +75, +250, and +500 F. Two types of tests, off-axis tension and losipescu shear, were used to obtain the desired properties. Good experimental-theoretical correlation was obtained for Exx, vxy, and G12. It is shown that E11 is temperature independent, but E22, v12, and G12 generally decrease with increasing temperature. Compared with rather high longitudinal strength, very low transverse strength was obtained for the graphite/aluminum. The poor transverse strength is believed to be due to the low interfacial bond strength in this material. The strength decrease significantly with increasing temperature. The tensile response at various temperatures is greatly affected by the residual stresses caused by the mismatch in the coefficients of thermal expansion of fibers and matrix. The degradation of the aluminum matrix properties at higher temperatures has a deleterious effect on composite properties. The composite has a very low coefficient of thermal expansion in the fiber direction

Inelastic deformation of metal matrix composites

A theoretical model capable of predicting the thermomechanical response of continuously reinforced metal matrix composite laminates subjected to multiaxial loading was developed. A micromechanical model is used in conjunction with nonlinear lamination theory to determine inelastic laminae response. Matrix viscoplasticity, residual stresses, and damage to the fiber/matrix interfacial zone are explicitly included in the model. The representative cell of the micromechanical model is considered to be in a state of generalized plane strain, enabling a quasi two-dimensional analysis to be performed. Constant strain finite elements are formulated with elastic-viscoplastic constitutive equations. Interfacial debonding is incorporated into the model through interface elements based on the interfacial debonding theory originally presented by Needleman, and modified by Tvergaard. Nonlinear interfacial constitutive equations relate interfacial tractions to displacement discontinuities at the interface. Theoretical predictions are compared with the results of an experimental program conducted on silicon carbide/titanium (SiC/Ti) unidirectional, (O4), and angle-ply, (+34)(sub s), tubular specimens. Multiaxial loading included increments of axial tension, compression, torque, and internal pressure. Loadings were chosen in an effort to distinguish inelastic deformation due to damage from matrix plasticity and separate time-dependent effects from time-independent effects. Results show that fiber/matrix debonding is nonuniform throughout the composite and is a major factor in the effective response. Also, significant creep behavior occurs at relatively low applied stress levels at room temperature

Inelastic response of metal matrix composites under biaxial loading

Theoretical predictions and experimental results were obtained for inelastic response of unidirectional and angle ply composite tubes subjected to axial and torsional loading. The composite material consist of silicon carbide fibers in a titanium alloy matrix. This material is known to be susceptible to fiber matrix interfacial damage. A method to distinguish between matrix yielding and fiber matrix interfacial damage is suggested. Biaxial tests were conducted on the two different layup configurations using an MTS Axial/Torsional load frame with a PC based data acquisition system. The experimentally determined elastic moduli of the SiC/Ti system are compared with those predicted by a micromechanics model. The test results indicate that fiber matrix interfacial damage occurs at relatively low load levels and is a local phenomenon. The micromechanics model used is the method of cells originally proposed by Aboudi. Finite element models using the ABACUS finite element program were used to study end effects and fixture specimen interactions. The results to date have shown good correlation between theory and experiment for response prior to damage initiation

Stress Effect on Ultrasonic Wave Propagation Through the Solid-Solid and Liquid-Solid Plane Interface

Ultrasonic wave propagation in prestressed materials has been studied extensively in the last 40 years. Most of this work was concentrated on the effect of stress on the velocities of different types of ultrasonic waves in homogeneous materials. Actually stresses affect not only wave velocities but also the boundary conditions at the interface. Many practical applications of ultrasonic stress characterization involve wave propagation through the interface between fluid and solid or two solids. In immersion measurements one needs to consider the effect of stress on wave propagation from fluid to solid. This leads to change in propagation direction and energy redistribution. Also additional modes could be excited leading to stress-induced birefringence. These are all important phenomena which require rigorous quantitative description since the stress effect in general is very small. Another important problem is ultrasonic characterization of residual stresses in composite materials [1]. It involves wave propagation through an interface between layers with different properties and stress levels

Non-linear model equation for three-dimensional Bunsen flames

The non linear description of laminar premixed flames has been very successful, because of the existence of model equations describing the dynamics of these flames. The Michelson Sivashinsky equation is the most well known of these equations, and has been used in different geometries, including three-dimensional quasi-planar and spherical flames. Another interesting model, usually known as the Frankel equation,which could in principle take into account large deviations of the flame front, has been used for the moment only for two-dimensional expanding and Bunsen flames. We report here for the first time numerical solutions of this equation for three-dimensional flames