Theses and dissertations

This collection includes both ASU Theses and Dissertations, submitted by graduate students, and the Barrett, Honors College theses submitted by undergraduate students. 

Displaying 1 - 2 of 2
Filtering by

Clear all filters

154985-Thumbnail Image.png

Stochastic multiscale modeling and statistical characterization of complex polymer matrix composites

Description
There are many applications for polymer matrix composite materials in a variety of different industries, but designing and modeling with these materials remains a challenge due to the intricate architecture and damage modes. Multiscale modeling techniques of composite structures subjected to complex loadings are needed in order to address…

There are many applications for polymer matrix composite materials in a variety of different industries, but designing and modeling with these materials remains a challenge due to the intricate architecture and damage modes. Multiscale modeling techniques of composite structures subjected to complex loadings are needed in order to address the scale-dependent behavior and failure. The rate dependency and nonlinearity of polymer matrix composite materials further complicates the modeling. Additionally, variability in the material constituents plays an important role in the material behavior and damage. The systematic consideration of uncertainties is as important as having the appropriate structural model, especially during model validation where the total error between physical observation and model prediction must be characterized. It is necessary to quantify the effects of uncertainties at every length scale in order to fully understand their impact on the structural response. Material variability may include variations in fiber volume fraction, fiber dimensions, fiber waviness, pure resin pockets, and void distributions. Therefore, a stochastic modeling framework with scale dependent constitutive laws and an appropriate failure theory is required to simulate the behavior and failure of polymer matrix composite structures subjected to complex loadings. Additionally, the variations in environmental conditions for aerospace applications and the effect of these conditions on the polymer matrix composite material need to be considered. The research presented in this dissertation provides the framework for stochastic multiscale modeling of composites and the characterization data needed to determine the effect of different environmental conditions on the material properties. The developed models extend sectional micromechanics techniques by incorporating 3D progressive damage theories and multiscale failure criteria. The mechanical testing of composites under various environmental conditions demonstrates the degrading effect these conditions have on the elastic and failure properties of the material. The methodologies presented in this research represent substantial progress toward understanding the failure and effect of variability for complex polymer matrix composites.
ContributorsJohnston, Joel Philip (Author) / Chattopadhyay, Aditi (Thesis advisor) / Liu, Yongming (Committee member) / Jiang, Hanqing (Committee member) / Dai, Lenore (Committee member) / Rajadas, John (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2016
189290-Thumbnail Image.png

Mechanical Behavior of Meteorites: Multiscale Characterization of the Strength and Failure Mechanism

Description
In this research, the chemical and mineralogical compositions, physical and mechanical properties, and failure mechanisms of two ordinary chondrite (OCs) meteorites Aba Panu (L3) and Viñales (L6), and the iron meteorite called Gibeon (IVA) were studied. OCs are dominated by anhydrous silicates with lesser amounts of sulfides and native Fe-Ni…

In this research, the chemical and mineralogical compositions, physical and mechanical properties, and failure mechanisms of two ordinary chondrite (OCs) meteorites Aba Panu (L3) and Viñales (L6), and the iron meteorite called Gibeon (IVA) were studied. OCs are dominated by anhydrous silicates with lesser amounts of sulfides and native Fe-Ni metals, while Gibeon is primarily composed of Fe-Ni metals with scattered inclusions of graphite and troilite. The OCs were investigated to understand their response to compressive loading, using a three-dimensional (3-D) Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique to measure full-field deformation and strain during compression. The DIC data were also used to identify the effects of mineralogical and structural heterogeneity on crack formation and growth. Even though Aba Panu and Viñales are mineralogically similar and are both classified as L ordinary chondrites, they exhibit differences in compressive strengths due to variations in chemical compositions, microstructure, and the presence of cracks and shock veins. DIC data of Aba Panu and Viñales show a brittle failure mechanism, consistent with the crack formation and growth from pre-existing microcracks and porosity. In contrast, the Fe-Ni phases of the Gibeon meteorite deform plastically without rupture during compression, whereas during tension, plastic deformations followed by necking lead to final failure. The Gibeon DIC results showed strain concentration in the tensile gauge region along the sample edge, resulting in the initiation of new damage surfaces that propagated perpendicular to the loading direction. Finally, an in-situ low-temperature testing method of iron meteorites was developed to study the response of their unique microstructure and failure mechanism.
ContributorsRabbi, Md Fazle (Author) / Chattopadhyay, Aditi (Thesis advisor) / Garvie, Laurence A.J. (Thesis advisor) / Liu, Yongming (Committee member) / Fard, Masoud Yekani (Committee member) / Cotto-Figueroa, Desiree (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2023