Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Engineering (MSE)
Department
Mechanical Engineering
Committee Chair
Nathan Spulak
Committee Member
Gang Wang
Committee Member
Yooseob Song
Research Advisor
Nathan Spulak
Subject(s)
Fibrous composites--Mechanical properties--Simulation methods, Finite element method, Shear (Mechanics)
Abstract
Fiber reinforced composites have seen continued use in aerospace and automotive industries due to their inherent high strength-to-weight ratios, which makes them ideal choices for vehicles where fuel economy is an important design factor. However, it is necessary for structures in these industries to preserve the life and safety of passengers in the event of a crash; thus, crashworthiness of these vehicles must be tested. Many finite element material models for simulating composite materials exist, but few take strain rate effects into account, which is important for accurate modeling of dynamic crash scenarios. LS DYNA MAT_213 is a material model developed to accurately simulate high speed impact loading of composite materials, but it requires inputs of tabulated stress-strain data of materials under high-rate tension, compression, and shear loading for accurate simulation. Currently, there is no generally accepted standardized method for performing high-rate shear tests on fiber reinforced composites, and existing high-rate shear methods typically result in mixed mode loading, rather than deformation and fracture under pure shear conditions. This project proposes a novel method for determining high-rate shear properties of composite materials using a split-Hopkinson bar and a specialized test specimen and fixtures. Quasi-static and dynamic shear tests as well as 0 degree, 90 degree, and 45 degree direction tension and compression tests are conducted on a woven composite laminate with 3K70PW fibers and INF114 resin matrix. The performance of the test method is analyzed and tabulated dynamic stress-strain data for 3K70PW/INF114 are produced for use in MAT_213.
Recommended Citation
Gerstein, Elias James, "Evaluation of strain-rate sensitivity of 3K70PW/INF114 woven fiber-reinforced composite material" (2025). Theses. 796.
https://louis.uah.edu/uah-theses/796