Multiscale failure analysis of laminated composites using the Boundary Element Method

Abstract

This project has as its main objective the construction of computational tools capable of facilitating multiscale failure analysis in laminated composites through analytical and numerical modeling. Failure will be analyzed by multiscale approaches. At the macroscale it will be used the anisotropic and the transversely isotropic 3D fundamental solutions. These solutions, for being analytical, imply in computational gain when they are compared with similar numerical solutions. Additionally, acceleration techniques will be used for the Boundary Element Method (BEM), such as the Adaptive Cross Approximation (ACA). The combination of the analytical 3D transversely anisotropic solution with ACA will result in a substantial memory and processing speed gain, that is of main importance when big problems, such as multiscale problems, are being analyzed. The main stage of the project is the application of multiscale approaches in laminated composites, as well as the application of acceleration methods of the BEM that turn a multiscale analysis feasible. This stage will be held at Carleton University under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Choon-Lai Tan, specialist in fracture mechanics, anisotropic material formulation and boundary elements. This period in Canada will provide the student with a first class academic formation, besides, providing the possibility of obtaining a double diploma. Through a cotutelle agreement the student will receive a Ph.D. degree from Carleton University as well as from Universidade Estadual de Campinas. (AU)