Adaptive Delamination Modelling with Isogeometric analysis REpresentation (ADMIRE)

Purpose and goal

There is a great need for a computationally efficient model for predicting delamination growth in composite laminates as existing industrial methods are too resource intensive. Therefore, in the current feasibility study, a recently proposed adaptive shell model, based on so-called isogeometric analysis, has been developed to handle the initiation and growth of any number of cracks through the thickness in single or double curved structures. This in a much more computationally efficient way compared to traditional methods based on high-resolution FEA.

Expected results and effects

The proposed shell model has been further developed and verified to the level that it is now possible to implement it in commercial simulation software that is normally built for finite element simulations. This has also been facilitated by the development of the ANSA pre-processor (taking place in the project) where ANSA now has support to export the necessary geometry information enable industrial implementation of the shell model in a finite element software. A journal article has been published, and two international conference presentations have been given.

Planned approach and implementation

The main focus has been on the development of the shell model, as well as its verification, which has taken place in close discussion between the project partners. A total of 4 project meetings have been held to follow the work. In addition, the following activities have taken place: Collaboration meeting between Chalmers, BETA, TU Eindhoven and BMW to discuss future collaborations in isogeometric analysis, industrialisation workshop at GKN where industrial implementation was discussed; industrialisation workshop with Siemens product development team in Europe to discuss the same