DIC Data-Driven Methods Improving Confidence in Material Qualification of Composites

Abstract

This work presents initial results of research activities focused on utilizing the Digital Image Correlation technique for measurement of the complex deformation of composite materials towards the development of consolidated common material qualification processes. These common processes will enable reduced material qualification test matrices potentially accommodating substitution of resin types and other modifications of the material systems. In particular, data-driven methods based on full-field DIC strain measurements and finite element analysis developed at the University of Texas Arlington Advanced Materials and Structures Lab, are verified on carbon-fiber reinforced/untoughened and toughened polymer-matrix composite material systems. The DIC data-driven methods allowed verification of simplifying assumptions, increasing our confidence in material allowables. The methods also allowed identifying standing challenges in lamina characterization, including inconsistencies of certain ASTM standard test fixtures and analysis methods, preventing accurate measurement of lamina characteristics key to laminate analysis.