Multi-scale methodology for enhancing damage tolerance of composite materials in submarine environment subject to underwater explosion
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: Engineering Science
Abstract
Submarine platforms form some of the most complex systems ever designed by man but, in line with the defence policy, there is ever increasing pressure to reduce procurement and ownership costs while maintaining capability. Composite materials have long been recognised as playing a key role in meeting these requirements by reducing time and cost of corrosion protection and repairs, as well as corrosion fatigue, while maintaining the vital stability margins and buoyancy requirements for the increasingly complex combat systems used on next generation submarines. Composites have the further advantage of multi-functionality, offering both structural and integral stealth properties management. In addition, composites mitigate the increasing cost and supply problems of complex high density castings such as Nickel Aluminium Bronze (NAB) long used in submarine applications due to its shock and corrosion resistant properties. Reinforced in its aims by the Defence Technology Strategy, the proposed research will provide the opportunity to understand and quantify, via fundamental science, the intermediate and high strain rate shock response of naval submarines composites in a complex submerged environment, whilst simultaneously seeking more optimised composite structures via novel fibre architectures and hybrid systems. Moreover, the proposed study will contribute to the MOD's specific requirement to both develop and sustain indigenous expertise in the area of submarine design as a key national capability. Finally, through understanding and modelling of material/structural and dynamic loading related issues at a range of scales, vital knowledge for effective assurance, test and repair of composite materials will be gained and embedded in certification procedures and Defence Standards. The use of proposed validated predictive modelling methodology is also expected to yield substantial savings during the design of new materials and structures through ever increasing progression to virtual testing and design and accordingly will greatly reduce the need for excessive large scale testing which are both expensive and environmentally unacceptable. In addition, this research is expected to provide the means for significant weight and life-long cost saving designs without compromising capability.
Organisations
- University of Oxford (Lead Research Organisation)
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Co-funder, Project Partner)
- Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL) (Collaboration)
- DNV GL (Collaboration)
- Weidlinger Associates (United States) (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- Scope (Collaboration)
- Rolls Royce Group Plc (Collaboration)
- BAE Systems (United Kingdom) (Collaboration)
- Rolls-Royce (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- MoD Abbey Wood South (Project Partner)
- BAE Systems Advanced Technology Centre (Project Partner)
- Materials Modelling NPL (Project Partner)
Publications
Gerlach R
(2012)
A new split Hopkinson tensile bar design
in International Journal of Impact Engineering
Barbieri E
(2011)
A new weight-function enrichment in meshless methods for multiple cracks in linear elasticity
in International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering
Gerlach R
(2011)
A novel method for pulse shaping of Split Hopkinson tensile bar signals
in International Journal of Impact Engineering
Thomson D
(2018)
A Puck-based localisation plane theory for rate- and pressure-dependent constitutive modelling of unidirectional fibre-reinforced polymers
in Composite Structures
Lißner M
(2018)
A rate dependent experimental and numerical analysis of adhesive joints under different loading directions
in The European Physical Journal Special Topics
May M
(2014)
Adaptive multi-scale modeling of high velocity impact on composite panels
in Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
Schiffer A
(2015)
An analytical model of the dynamic response of circular composite plates to high-velocity impact
in International Journal of Impact Engineering
Arezoo S
(2013)
Compressive deformation of Rohacell foams: Effects of strain rate and temperature
in International Journal of Impact Engineering
Cui H
(2016)
Effect of strain rate and fibre rotation on the in-plane shear response of ±45° laminates in tension and compression tests
in Composites Science and Technology
Thomson D
(2017)
Experimental and numerical study of strain-rate effects on the IFF fracture angle using a new efficient implementation of Puck's criterion
in Composite Structures
| Description | Developed capability to determine experimentally, analytically and numerically the effects of underwater explosion thus exerted pressure histories upon the airbacked or waterbacked underwater structures. Developed generic capability to simulate numerically crack propagation in solid materials which has been applied to understand the micromechanics of composite materials for marine applications. |
| Exploitation Route | Designers of commercial and defence surface and sub-surface marine vehicles use the developed methodology for rapid feasiblity studies as well as detailed design tasks. Designers of engineering structures are already comparing the results obtainable by the developed software with commerical tools for numerical modelling. This has been applied in design studies with composite materials for marine, land and air vehicles, ceramics for armour as well as metallic and concrete materials in nuclear power industry. The developed methodology has been utilised to improve the understanding of the fluid-structure interaction with real engineering materials and systems. This has resulted in developing precise laboratory equipment for investigation of related phenomena (liquid shock tube with mechanically generated impulse loading similar to underwater explosion, high-speed data acqusition systems including high-speed photography). In particular, the ability to understand and quantify the effects of underwater balst upon new material systems and engineering solutions has been developed in conjuction with novel split-Hopkinson-bar systems for characterisation of materials at high rates of strain. Developed software has already been utilised in developing the multi-scale methodology for a range of engineering materials where the existance of manufactuing induced flaws requires the incorporation of constitutive laws capable of simulating strain localisation and fracture. |
| Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine |
| URL | http://www.eng.ox.ac.uk/NP/research.html |
| Description | The validated software was delivered to Rolls-Royce at several increments continually upgrading the key features. The developed experimental capability will continue to be used to characterise future generations of materials for submarine applications. New concurrent multi-scale modelling capability has been developed and is being evaluated in subsequent projects (funded by EPSRC, Dstl and Rolls-Royce) concerned with composite materials. The experimental and modelling capabilities initially developed during this project have evolved further on subsequent projects (but focused on aerospace sector) and are now attracting again the funding from marine sector. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2011 |
| Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Education,Energy,Healthcare |
| Impact Types | Societal Economic |
| Description | DTRA - US defence annual call for proposals |
| Amount | $300,000 (USD) |
| Organisation | Defense Threat Reduction Agency |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 06/2012 |
| End | 06/2015 |
| Description | EPSRC - Responsive Mode |
| Amount | £300,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/M015319/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2015 |
| End | 03/2017 |
| Description | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' internal funding |
| Amount | £600,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | Japan |
| Start | 03/2012 |
| End | 01/2017 |
| Title | High-speed digital metrology |
| Description | The ability to use multiple high-speed digital cameras has yielded the development of DIC based algorithm for tracking of selected markers in 3D for displacement/velocity and strain measurements. The algorithm takes care of physical and digital noise by scale separation and motion blur by custom edge detection thus providing more accurate data for validation of newly developed simulation models. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2015 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | Ability to quantify experimental observations beyond previously known limits. |
| Title | Database on strain rate dependent behaviour of composite materials for submarine applications |
| Description | Detailed information needed for calibration and validation of numerical models. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | The ability to automate the identification of model parameters and develop improved models by inverse procedures ("model validation"). |
| Title | Numerical modelling capability for simulation of strain rate dependent behaviour of composites for submarine applications |
| Description | Modules for incorporation into commercial software and independent in-house capability for simulation of pressure and strain rate dependent response of polymer matrix composites to impact loading such as that exerted by underwater explosion. |
| Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | Potential to further improve the understanding of the material behaviour. Potential to improve the effectiveness of future laboratory experiments. Potential to improve engineering designs with composite materials. |
| Description | Composites for submarine applications subjected to underwater explosion |
| Organisation | BAE Systems |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Developed experimental methodology for observation and quantification of phenomena following underwater explosion. In particular, - the fluid structure interaction and - the saline water saturation and strain rate dependent response of non-crimped glass fibre uni-directionally reinforced epoxy matrix composites. The research team delivered analytical and numerical models as well as experimental data needed to calibrate the developed models, for use in the design of components of nuclear submarines made of given materials and architectures. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provided motivation and inspiration to the project research team thus enabling us to appreciate challenges and identify scientifically relevant gaps within our domain of interest and capability. Furthermore, they provided the understanding of the scope within which the research into fluid-structure interaction and related cavitation should be understood before appreciating thus exerted load histories upon composite given materials. The collaborators also provide materials for experimental activities as well as several separate, but related and relevant research and technology transfer projects in order to help build the critical mass both in terms of equipment and researchers directed towards the same goals. |
| Impact | Several papers (journal and conference) have been published. Several conferences have been attended, the most important of which has been the invitation to Mach 2014 Conference in Annapolis, USA, organised by the ARL sponsored consortium focused on investigation into behaviour of Materials in Extreme Dynamic Conditions (MEDE). Furthermore, the project team has been invited to contribute to regular joint UK-US submarine development meetings and the UK's Composite Materials for Submarines Working Group, which meets regularly to discuss issue and share experiences between organisations who operate, fund development as well as design and build submarines. |
| Start Year | 2006 |
| Description | Composites for submarine applications subjected to underwater explosion |
| Organisation | DNV GL |
| Country | Norway |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Developed experimental methodology for observation and quantification of phenomena following underwater explosion. In particular, - the fluid structure interaction and - the saline water saturation and strain rate dependent response of non-crimped glass fibre uni-directionally reinforced epoxy matrix composites. The research team delivered analytical and numerical models as well as experimental data needed to calibrate the developed models, for use in the design of components of nuclear submarines made of given materials and architectures. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provided motivation and inspiration to the project research team thus enabling us to appreciate challenges and identify scientifically relevant gaps within our domain of interest and capability. Furthermore, they provided the understanding of the scope within which the research into fluid-structure interaction and related cavitation should be understood before appreciating thus exerted load histories upon composite given materials. The collaborators also provide materials for experimental activities as well as several separate, but related and relevant research and technology transfer projects in order to help build the critical mass both in terms of equipment and researchers directed towards the same goals. |
| Impact | Several papers (journal and conference) have been published. Several conferences have been attended, the most important of which has been the invitation to Mach 2014 Conference in Annapolis, USA, organised by the ARL sponsored consortium focused on investigation into behaviour of Materials in Extreme Dynamic Conditions (MEDE). Furthermore, the project team has been invited to contribute to regular joint UK-US submarine development meetings and the UK's Composite Materials for Submarines Working Group, which meets regularly to discuss issue and share experiences between organisations who operate, fund development as well as design and build submarines. |
| Start Year | 2006 |
| Description | Composites for submarine applications subjected to underwater explosion |
| Organisation | Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Developed experimental methodology for observation and quantification of phenomena following underwater explosion. In particular, - the fluid structure interaction and - the saline water saturation and strain rate dependent response of non-crimped glass fibre uni-directionally reinforced epoxy matrix composites. The research team delivered analytical and numerical models as well as experimental data needed to calibrate the developed models, for use in the design of components of nuclear submarines made of given materials and architectures. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provided motivation and inspiration to the project research team thus enabling us to appreciate challenges and identify scientifically relevant gaps within our domain of interest and capability. Furthermore, they provided the understanding of the scope within which the research into fluid-structure interaction and related cavitation should be understood before appreciating thus exerted load histories upon composite given materials. The collaborators also provide materials for experimental activities as well as several separate, but related and relevant research and technology transfer projects in order to help build the critical mass both in terms of equipment and researchers directed towards the same goals. |
| Impact | Several papers (journal and conference) have been published. Several conferences have been attended, the most important of which has been the invitation to Mach 2014 Conference in Annapolis, USA, organised by the ARL sponsored consortium focused on investigation into behaviour of Materials in Extreme Dynamic Conditions (MEDE). Furthermore, the project team has been invited to contribute to regular joint UK-US submarine development meetings and the UK's Composite Materials for Submarines Working Group, which meets regularly to discuss issue and share experiences between organisations who operate, fund development as well as design and build submarines. |
| Start Year | 2006 |
| Description | Composites for submarine applications subjected to underwater explosion |
| Organisation | Rolls Royce Group Plc |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Developed experimental methodology for observation and quantification of phenomena following underwater explosion. In particular, - the fluid structure interaction and - the saline water saturation and strain rate dependent response of non-crimped glass fibre uni-directionally reinforced epoxy matrix composites. The research team delivered analytical and numerical models as well as experimental data needed to calibrate the developed models, for use in the design of components of nuclear submarines made of given materials and architectures. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provided motivation and inspiration to the project research team thus enabling us to appreciate challenges and identify scientifically relevant gaps within our domain of interest and capability. Furthermore, they provided the understanding of the scope within which the research into fluid-structure interaction and related cavitation should be understood before appreciating thus exerted load histories upon composite given materials. The collaborators also provide materials for experimental activities as well as several separate, but related and relevant research and technology transfer projects in order to help build the critical mass both in terms of equipment and researchers directed towards the same goals. |
| Impact | Several papers (journal and conference) have been published. Several conferences have been attended, the most important of which has been the invitation to Mach 2014 Conference in Annapolis, USA, organised by the ARL sponsored consortium focused on investigation into behaviour of Materials in Extreme Dynamic Conditions (MEDE). Furthermore, the project team has been invited to contribute to regular joint UK-US submarine development meetings and the UK's Composite Materials for Submarines Working Group, which meets regularly to discuss issue and share experiences between organisations who operate, fund development as well as design and build submarines. |
| Start Year | 2006 |
| Description | Composites for submarine applications subjected to underwater explosion |
| Organisation | Scope |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Developed experimental methodology for observation and quantification of phenomena following underwater explosion. In particular, - the fluid structure interaction and - the saline water saturation and strain rate dependent response of non-crimped glass fibre uni-directionally reinforced epoxy matrix composites. The research team delivered analytical and numerical models as well as experimental data needed to calibrate the developed models, for use in the design of components of nuclear submarines made of given materials and architectures. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provided motivation and inspiration to the project research team thus enabling us to appreciate challenges and identify scientifically relevant gaps within our domain of interest and capability. Furthermore, they provided the understanding of the scope within which the research into fluid-structure interaction and related cavitation should be understood before appreciating thus exerted load histories upon composite given materials. The collaborators also provide materials for experimental activities as well as several separate, but related and relevant research and technology transfer projects in order to help build the critical mass both in terms of equipment and researchers directed towards the same goals. |
| Impact | Several papers (journal and conference) have been published. Several conferences have been attended, the most important of which has been the invitation to Mach 2014 Conference in Annapolis, USA, organised by the ARL sponsored consortium focused on investigation into behaviour of Materials in Extreme Dynamic Conditions (MEDE). Furthermore, the project team has been invited to contribute to regular joint UK-US submarine development meetings and the UK's Composite Materials for Submarines Working Group, which meets regularly to discuss issue and share experiences between organisations who operate, fund development as well as design and build submarines. |
| Start Year | 2006 |
| Description | Composites for submarine applications subjected to underwater explosion |
| Organisation | Weidlinger Associates |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Developed experimental methodology for observation and quantification of phenomena following underwater explosion. In particular, - the fluid structure interaction and - the saline water saturation and strain rate dependent response of non-crimped glass fibre uni-directionally reinforced epoxy matrix composites. The research team delivered analytical and numerical models as well as experimental data needed to calibrate the developed models, for use in the design of components of nuclear submarines made of given materials and architectures. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provided motivation and inspiration to the project research team thus enabling us to appreciate challenges and identify scientifically relevant gaps within our domain of interest and capability. Furthermore, they provided the understanding of the scope within which the research into fluid-structure interaction and related cavitation should be understood before appreciating thus exerted load histories upon composite given materials. The collaborators also provide materials for experimental activities as well as several separate, but related and relevant research and technology transfer projects in order to help build the critical mass both in terms of equipment and researchers directed towards the same goals. |
| Impact | Several papers (journal and conference) have been published. Several conferences have been attended, the most important of which has been the invitation to Mach 2014 Conference in Annapolis, USA, organised by the ARL sponsored consortium focused on investigation into behaviour of Materials in Extreme Dynamic Conditions (MEDE). Furthermore, the project team has been invited to contribute to regular joint UK-US submarine development meetings and the UK's Composite Materials for Submarines Working Group, which meets regularly to discuss issue and share experiences between organisations who operate, fund development as well as design and build submarines. |
| Start Year | 2006 |
| Description | Understanding pressure and strain rate dependent behaviour of ceramic composites |
| Organisation | Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Development of experimental procedures for observation and quantification of the response of ceramic composites to impact loading. Development of corresponding modelling methodologies for simulation of pressure, strain-rate and temperature dependent response to rapidly induced deformation, leading to strain localisation, crack initiation and propagation, fracture and fragmentation. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provision of relevant materials for experimental activities and motivation/inspiration for development of corresponding modelling activities. Exposure to challenging problems revolving around body and vehicle (see, land and air) armour. Networking. Exposure to joint UK-US research efforts. |
| Impact | Software modules delivered to Dstl's modelling team. Publications: - S Falco, P Siegkas, E Barbieri, N Petrinic: A new method for the generation of arbitrarily shaped 3D random polycrystalline domains, Computational Mechanics, 1-14 - S Falco, NA Yahya, RI Todd, N Petrinic: Explicit Modeling of Crack Initiation and Propagation in the Microstructure of a Ceramic Material Generated with Voronoi Tessellation, Developments in Strategic Materials and Computational Design IV, 185-196 - S Falco, CEJ Dancer, RI Todd, N Petrinic: A new anisotropic constitutive model for ceramic materials failure, Developments in Strategic Materials and Computational Design III, 93-103 - CEJ Dancer, HM Curtis, SM Bennett, N Petrinic, RI Todd: High strain rate indentation-induced deformation in alumina ceramics measured by Cr< sup> 3+ fluorescence mapping, Journal of the European Ceramic Society 31 (13), 2177-2187 - CEJ Dancer, HM Curtis, SM Bennett, N Petrinic, RI Todd: Measurement of deformation in alumina samples indented at high strain rates, Advances in Ceramic Armor VII: Ceramic Engineering and Science Proceedings ... |
| Start Year | 2009 |
| Description | Recuring visits which local schools are making to learn about the generic activities in my laboratory. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Talks and tours sparked increasing interest in studying engineering. The schools asked for more information on application procedures and interviews as a part of the undergraduate admission process. One school pupil convinced me that his computer programming skills were at the level sufficient to contribute to my research team efforts, such that we invited him to spend 3 weeks during his summer school break working with the team. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014 |