Opportunity: Application of Virtual Fields Method to Identify the Anisotropic Behavior of Laminated Composite Materials

Laminated composites plays an important role for the Army across many applications due to their high strength-to-weight ratios and design flexibility. These materials are widely used in personnel protection, sabots, and UAVs. However, characterizing the mechanical properties of these materials remains a challenge, particularly due to their anisotropic behavior.
This project focuses on the implementation of inverse methods based on the Virtual Fields Method or VFM to enhance the identification of material properties of laminated composites. VFM allows for the extraction of mechanical parameters from measured displacement/strain fields from Digital Image Correlation (DIC) obtained during experimental testing. By applying this approach, we will develop a robust framework that integrates experimental data with computational modeling.
The outcomes of this research will not only enhance the fundamental understanding of laminated composites but also provide valuable insights for the design of safer and more efficient composite structures across multiple industries.