Failure Propagation Controlling for Frangible Composite Canister Design

Abstract

The complexity in predicting the damage initiation and failure propagation controlling in composite structures is challenging. The focus of this paper is to design a potential component for new ship gunnels to make the composite canister affordable in structural applications by using a damage tolerant design approach. The design of a new tailgate configuration was investigated, taking into account the correct fragmentation of the structure to ensure a clear ejection while reducing the weight of the panels by exploiting the properties of the composite material. The complex geometry of the tailgate, the high impulse load, the energy transferred to the tailgate during missile impact, and how to safely break large panel flaps are elements that characterize the sizing of the composite component to meet the stringent ejection requirements in the life cycle of a missile during takeoff. The numerical simulations were performed using the LS/Dyna code and its explicit formulation was contemplated to take into account the geometrical, contact, and material non linearities.