A mixture theory approach to composite structural analysis
This dissertation is concerned with presenting a modern theory of mixtures and a finite element method based upon this modern theory. The classical theory of mixtures is presented and applied to problems for which the kinetic theory of gases is also applicable. A comparison between the results of the kinetic theory of gases and the classical theory of mixtures reveals that the classical theory of mixtures is not consistent with the kinetic theory of gases. A modern theory of mixtures, which includes the volume fraction of the constituents of a mixture in the kinematics of the mixture, is presented. This modern theory of mixtures is shown to be consistent with the kinetic theory of gases. The modern theory of mixtures is used to develop a unique finite element method to analyze the elastic-plastic response of advanced composite structures. This type of analysis differs dramatically from traditional structural analysis by allowing the constituents of the composite to have independent motions and therefore providing detailed information concerning the state of the individual constituents. In addition, the mixture theory approach is shown to significantly reduce the computational requirements of either micromechanics or mesomechanics. The constituent information is shown to be vital to the understanding of advanced composite materials under the effects of mechanical and thermal loading.
- Research Organization:
- Wyoming Univ., Laramie, WY (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 5722526
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Thesis (Ph.D.)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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