Towards the robotic characterization of the constitutive response of composite materials

A historical and technical overview of a paradigm for automating research procedures on the area of constitutive identification of composite materials is presented. Computationally controlled robotic, multiple degree-of-freedom mechatronic systems are used to accelerate the rate of performing data-collecting experiments along loading paths defined in multidimensional loading spaces. The collected data are utilized for the inexpensive data-driven determination of bulk material non-linear constitutive behavior models as a consequence of generalized loading through parameter identification/estimation methodologies based on the inverse approach. The concept of the dissipated energy density is utilized as the representative encapsulation of the non-linear part of the constitutive response that is responsible for the irreversible character of the overall behavior. Demonstrations of this paradigm are given for the cases of polymer matrix composite materials systems. Finally, this computational and mechatronic infrastructure is used to create conceptual, analytical and computational models for describing and predicting material and structural performance.