Real-time inference of stochastic damage in composite materials

This study describes a control system designed for real-time monitoring of damage in materials that employs methods and models that account for uncertainties in experimental data and parameters in continuum damage mechanics models. The methodology involves (1) developing an experimental set-up for direct and indirect measurements of damage in materials; (2) modeling damage mechanics based constitutive equations for continuum models; and (3) implementation of a Bayesian framework for statistical calibration of model with quantification of uncertainties. To provide information for real-time monitoring of damage, indirect measurement of damage is made feasible using an embedded carbon nanotube (CNT) network to perform as sensor for detecting the local damage. A software infrastructure is developed and implemented in order to integrate the various constituents, such as finite element approximation of the continuum damage models, generated experimental data, and Bayesian-based methods for model calibration and validation. The outcomes of the statistical calibration and dynamic validation of damage models are presented. The experimental program designed to provide observational data is discussed.