Identification of the Dynamic Behavior of Composites Using the Virtual Fields Method

Abstract

Polymer matrix composites containing continuous carbon fibers are becoming more prevalent in the construction of aerospace structures due to their high strength to weight ratios when compared to metallic counterparts. In that regard, understanding damage detection and loss of stiffness of composite panels under dynamic loading environments is critical. These materials are particularly challenging to investigate due to their hierarchical structure and potentially ratedependent and nonlinear behavior, stemming from the constituent components. Thus, full-field experimental measurement techniques are particularly advantageous as they allow for a wealth of data to be acquired, including heterogeneous kinematic fields. To that end, this study presents a unique analytical and experimental framework used to examine the dynamic damage evolution of composite panels by combining the grid method (a full-field measurement technique) with the virtual fields method (an inverse identification technique).