Model Based Certification of Cohesive Joints

Structural simulation supports the development of aerostructures. It is most beneficial when fully connected to product development and applied in all phases from concept to certification. In general, compliance with structural certification specifications is proven through physical tests, but authorities can also accept Model Based Certification (Certification by Analysis) if modeling and simulation techniques are systematically validated.

One key element for acceptance of Certification by Analysis is ensuring simulation credibility. Simulation credibility is usually built by systematic comparison of virtual and real (V+R) test data – e.g. based on a test strategy successively extending the scope of validation from simple geometries to complex sub-systems of the structure.

We first show how to define such a test strategy in the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, seamlessly unifying modeling and simulation activities with the product development process. Then we apply the methodology to cohesive joints, starting with calibrating material properties of cohesive joints from Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) and Mixed Mode Bending (MMB) tests. The calibration is conducted with the Material Calibration application on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Finally, calibration data is reused to assess the debonding of a stiffened composite panel.

Highlights:

• Calibrate advanced nonlinear material models for cohesive joints on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
• Manage the lifecycle and maturity of material properties and ensure traceability with calibration source data.
• Define and manage a Virtual+Real test strategy for support of model-based certification.