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Parametric Analysis of Various Test Configurations for Measuring the Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of CMCs using LayerSlayer and Abaqus

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Navy
Contract: N68335-13-C-0347
Agency Tracking Number: N13A-008-0159
Amount: $79,985.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: N13A-T008
Solicitation Number: 2013.A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2013
Award Year: 2013
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2013-08-15
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2014-03-15
Small Business Information
MA
Cambridge, MA 02142-1189
United States
DUNS: 604717165
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Konstantine Fetfatsidis
 Composite Structures Rese
 (617) 229-6818
 kfetfatsidis@aurora.aero
Business Contact
 Scott Hart
Title: Financial Analyst
Phone: (617) 500-4892
Email: shart@aurora.aero
Research Institution
 Univ of California, Santa Barbara
 Frank Zok
 
UC Santa Barbara 552 University Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-0002
United States

 (805) 893-8699
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

The low weight, excellent durability and heat resistance of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) make them attractive materials for use in aircraft engine hot sections, where improved overall engine efficiency can be realized. Nevertheless, the interlaminar properties of CMCs must be well understood before CMCs can realistically replace metallic superalloys in engine hot sections, and no standardized test methods for determining interlaminar fracture toughness of CMCs currently exist. During this Phase I effort, Aurora Flight Sciences (AFS) will work closely with experts in CMC fabrication, testing, design, and analysis at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and the United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) to develop analytical concept models on interlaminar fracture toughness test methods. A finite element code developed at UCSB, LayerSlayer, will be used in conjunction with the commercially available finite element analysis software, Abaqus, to ascertain stresses, energy release rates and mode mixities in CMCs while conducting parametric studies of various test configurations and geometries feasible for measuring Mode I and Mode II interlaminar fracture toughnesses. Preliminary experiments on CMC specimens will be conducted to evaluate the feasibility of the concept models developed, in preparation for comprehensive testing of several CMC coupons during Phase II.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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