Reliability of aerospace structures is among the key metrics of their performance. It is usually based on probabilistic understanding with very tight requirements, e.g., failure probability in many applications is well below one in a million. In aerospace structures, polymers are primarily used as components of polymer-matrix matrix composites (PMC), and therefore, their statistical variability can play significant role in reliability. Thus, the objective of this work is to summarize major issues controlling correlations between statistical variability of polymers and PMC structural reliability, explain their physical rational, and provide algorithms for corresponding quantitative assessments. In addition to material variability, inevitable imperfections of PMC structural designs are considered. Representative cases from recent and current work are discussed to illustrate the effect of polymeric variability and imperfections. An example of random imperfections and voids in thick composite component is shown in the figure. Finally, opportunities to optimize reliability through more focused development of polymers are discussed as well.

Reliability of aerospace composite structures: Effect of inevitable material variability and imperfection

246th National Meeting (2013)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.