Constitutive equations of epoxy matrices for advanced composites

The main goal of this research project is to obtain an accurate constitutive equation to represent the mechanical behavior of the epoxy matrix under complex stress states. The project is developed under the experimental/simulation perspectives. Firstly, the mechanical behavior of an epoxy matrix of the new generation will be characterized. Specimens are machined from neat resin plates to carry out mechanical tests under different stress states (tension, compression, shear, etc.) and the results will be used to extrapolate the behavior under general triaxial stress states. Secondly, a constitutive equation supported by the experiments will be implemented within the finite element code Abaqus as user material subroutine.

Partners: Airbus Spain, Airbus France, Cytec Industries.

Funding Organisation: Airbus France
Industrial Sector: Aerospace
Region: Madrid (Spain)
Project Period: September 2008-September 2009

Principal Investigator: Carlos Gonzalez
Contact: carlosdaniel.gonzalez@imdea.org