The Generalized Optimization and Analysis (GENOA) software system has been enhanced to accurately simulate Polymer Matrix Composite (PMC) structural damage processes under static, dynamic, impact, creep, stability, thermal, low and high cycle fatigue, and random power spectral density loads [1]. The effects of hygral and thermal environments are considered in the simulation of damage evolution. The Virtual Testing (VT) software uses material test data and uncertainty at the micro level to simulate structure level damage initiation, growth, and propagation processes. It determines the true global safety factors associated with each component design. Based on physics and material properties, changes in structural load paths with damage progression are accurately identified. Additionally, manufacturing variables, such as anomalies (voids, defects, etc) can be accounted for in the life prediction simulation. Virtual structural health monitoring and non-destructive evaluation (i.e. inspection) are monitored via exhausted energy release rate.

The hierarchical approach (Figure 1) implemented in the GENOA software package allows integration of a wide range of specialized programs into an existing verified progressive failure and probabilistic analysis software via a plug and play enhancement.

a) Full-Hierarchical Stress Evaluation

b) Material Properties are then updated
for the next iteration

Figure 1. GENOA takes a full scale FEM and breaks the material properties down to the microscopic level.
Establish FEM properties from calibrated constituent properties reflecting any changes caused by damage or
crack propagation.

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