A model for dynamic and aeroelastic response of composite structures with damage evolution

In this dissertation, damage effects on the dynamic and aeroelastic responses of composite (lamina) structures are investigated. The dynamic and aeroelastic responses are shown to depend upon the distribution and accumulation of damage. The continuum damage theory (or the internal state damage theory) is introduced to describe damage.;Two damage cases are studied: the first case is based on the assumption that damage state is static (damage is independent of the previous aeroelastic response); the second case is related to the growth of damage which is interacting with aeroelastic responses. The dynamic response and aeroelastic stability are examined in both the time domain and frequency domain. During the time domain analysis the damage evolution laws are employed. Stability characteristics are examined in the frequency domain.;A wing-like composite (lamina) plate with clamped boundary is considered. Unsteady aerodynamic loads are provided by piston theory. For analysis purposes, the finite element representation based on the DKT (Discrete Kirchhoff Triangle) element is employed.