MMS5A

MMS5A Design and Failure of Material Systems under Multi-Axial Loads

The performance of materials under the action of multi-axial loads is of key importance for the designers of engineering structures. This is especially the case for composites where the effect of anisotropy can result in a structure that is 'unforgiving' towards loads that have not been properly addressed. Whilst there are many published design methods and failure theories for composites, it remains the case that no single approach has broad application either in terms of material or structural form. 

This project, which has undertaken by a team consisting of AEA Technology, NPL and NetComposites, has established a technical framework to address the types of question typically posed by engineers concerned with the design of composite structures subjected to multi-axial loads. The key data has been presented in the form of an Interactive Knowledge Base (IKB) accessible at the project website www.mms5.co.uk . Specific issues addressed include: · What failure criteria are relevant for particular applications; · What evidence or data are available to validate the choice of criteria · How do the criteria relate to long term performance · What test methods are available to measure multi-axial performance · How can available criteria be applied to materials of different structure · What minimum amount of testing is necessary in order to define performance envelopes?

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MMS5B  Design and Failure of Material Systems under Multi-Axial Loads

 One important aspect in which composite materials differ from other engineering materials is that their behaviour under multi-axial loading is very complex.  In recent years, this situation has eased due to a) the completion of a collaborative World-Wide-Failure Exercise on the subject and b) the availability of test data on aerospace composites together with a supporting theoretical framework.   

The purpose of MMS5B has been to distil this information into a form useful to UK industry generally and to supplement the available data with further bi-axial test results on other types of composite.

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In order to rectify this situation, a programme under the DTI's Measurements for Materials Systems (MMS) has been set up. The specific programme addressing failure under multi-axial loading, termed MMS5, commenced in September 2002 and will complete in late 2005 It is being run by a team consisting of QinetiQ, AEA Technology, Nottingham University, UMIST (ARP), NPL and Netcomposites, and the objective is to address the widest possible range of UK industry needs in this important area of technology. It is anticipated that very large benefits will accrue to the industrial suppliers and users of composites who participate in the programme.