Multi-continuum analysis of thermally induced matrix cracking

Matrix micro-cracking due to thermal loading is a major concern in composite cryogenic tanks because it presents permeation paths for the stored fluids and gases. Accurate prediction of composite damage due to micro-crack initiation is thus an important aspect of tank analysis and design. In the research presented, failure criteria are applied at both the composite (macro-) and constituent (micro-) scale in an effort to assess the most effective analysis techniques for predicting composite damage. Constituent scale information is developed using multi-continuum theory, a classic strain decomposition approach. Numerical predictions are correlated against experimental results.