A low-cost multiscale model with fiber/matrix interface for cryogenic composite storage tanks considering temperature effects based on self-consistent clustering analysis

Abstract

Matrix (including interface) failure is a typical form of failure in the composite laminates for cryogenic storage tanks causing functionally useless of the structure. In this work, a low-cost multiscale model based on the Self-consistent Clustering Analysis (SCA) method is developed to predict the matrix failure process of the composite storage tanks. First, a reduced order model modeling method with fiber/matrix interfaces is proposed. Then, in conjunction with Progressive Failure Analysis (PFA), a reduced-order model is used to predict matrix failure and interface failure of the composites, mesh sensitivity analyses were carried out, and strength damage envelopes were obtained for unidirectional composites subjected to a combination of transverse stresses and in-plane shear. Compared with the prediction results of the Puck criterion, the errors in predicting damage strength for compressive-shear load and tensile-shear load do not exceed 10% and 30%, respectively. And finally, the thermal-mechanical load analysis of the composite storage tanks is carried out and the effect of homogenous temperature field and heterogenous temperature field on the load-bearing performance of the composite structure is analyzed. The method is proved to have good accuracy and to be very efficient. Its main feature is the ability to rapidly predict the stiffness and strength properties of composite structures under different environmental conditions, in agreement with experimental results, showing the potential to reduce the time and cost required for structural design.