Due to the anisotropic and heterogeneous nature of fiber-reinforced polymer composites, failure prediction of this class of materials is extremely challenging under general loading conditions. In addition, composite strength/failure data is notorious for showing wide variability, one major reason for which is the morphological variability existing in its microstructures. In this dissertation, failure prediction of composites was undertaken for static and fatigue loading situations. For the case of static loading, a computational framework was further developed to link the randomness observed in the composite microstructure morphology and the resultant variability in its mechanical properties, specifically transverse elastic moduli and failure strengths. For the case of fatigue loading, a kinetic theory of fracture based fatigue material model was developed and applied to the problem of fatigue damage prediction in open hole tension coupons comprised of multidirectional laminates undergoing tension-tension loading. Based off lamina-level material characterization data, cumulative damage analysis of matrix and fiber constituents under cyclic loading conditions was implemented with the objectives to: (i) detect the onset and the progression of subcritical matrix failures in the form of matrix cracks and delamination, (ii) predict the ultimate failure due to fracture of the reinforcing fibers, and (iii) observe the effects of the interactions among damage modes on the overall failure progression process. In addition to the above physics-based approaches, machine learning based models were explored as potential alternatives to analytical failure theories to learn from the experimental data and predict biaxial failure envelopes of unidirectional composite laminas under quasi-static loading.

New and unpublished U.S. and international research on multifunctional, active, biobased, SHM, self-healing composites -- from nanolevel to large structures New information on modeling, design, computational engineering, manufacturing, testing Applications to aircraft, bridges, concrete, medicine, body armor, wind energy This fully searchable CD-ROM contains 135 original research papers on all phases of composite materials. The document provides cutting edge research by US, Canadian, and Japanese authorities on matrix-based and fiber composites from design to damage analysis and detection. Major divisions of the work include: Structural Health Monitoring, Multifunctional Composites, Integrated Computational Materials Engineering, Interlaminar Testing, Analysis-Shell Structures, Thermoplastic Matrices, Analysis Non-classical Laminates, Bio-Based Composites, Electrical Properties, Dynamic Behavior, Damage/Failure, Compression-Testing, Active Composites, 3D Reinforcement, Dielectric Nanocomposites, Micromechanical Analysis, Processing, CM Reinforcement for Concrete, Environmental Effects, Phase-Transforming, Molecular Modeling, Impact.

Creep and Fatigue in Polymer Matrix Composites, Second Edition, updates the latest research in modeling and predicting creep and fatigue in polymer matrix composites. The first part of the book reviews the modeling of viscoelastic and viscoplastic behavior as a way of predicting performance and service life. Final sections discuss techniques for modeling creep rupture and failure and how to test and predict long-term creep and fatigue in polymer matrix composites. - Reviews the latest research in modeling and predicting creep and fatigue in polymer matrix composites - Puts a specific focus on viscoelastic and viscoplastic modeling - Features the time-temperature-age superposition principle for predicting long-term response - Examines the creep rupture and damage interaction, with a particular focus on time-dependent failure criteria for the lifetime prediction of polymer matrix composite structures that are illustrated using experimental cases

Civil Engineering and Disaster Prevention focuses on the research of civil engineering, architecture and disaster prevention and control. These proceedings gather the most cutting-edge research and achievements, aiming to provide scholars and engineers with valuable research direction and engineering solutions. Subjects covered in the proceedings include: Civil Engineering Engineering Structure Architectural Materials Disaster Prevention and Control Building Electrical Engineering The works of these proceedings aim to promote the development of civil engineering and environment engineering. Thereby, fostering scientific information interchange between scholars from the top universities, research centers and high-tech enterprises working all around the world.