Development of p-Version handbook solutions for analysis of composite bonded joints

This paper illustrates an example of a very fruitful effort of an industry research team in identifying and filling an analysis tool requirement in the area of composite bonded joints. The Composites Affordability Initiative, an Air Force sponsored joint aeronautics industry program, identified an analysis need for the rapid sizing of composite bonded joints. After an extensive review of the state of the art in modeling of bonded joints, a p-version finite-element-based commercial software was identified. This paper reviews the development history and describes new capabilities installed into this software through a joint effort of the CAI team and the software provider. The modifications implemented are discussed; and an example double-lap bonded joint analysis is presented. How the modeling philosophy of composite bonded joints differs from previous work is discussed, including the handling of singularities and error control. Actual failure criteria implemented, including stress/strain extraction logistics, are not reviewed, but examples of the general enhanced capabilities are discussed. An important lesson learned is the need for industry users to work closely with software providers to precisely tailor software to the requirements of the problem and the focus user group. This experience highlights the key link being forged between aerospace industry researchers and software providers to develop next generation analysis tools.