Development of Progressive-Failure-Analysis Software

A report discusses the development of the GENOA-PFA computer program, which was described in "Software for Simulating Progressive Fracture in Braided PMCs" (LEW-16845), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 24, No. 3 (March 2000), page 52; and "Update on a Progressive-Failure-Analysis Software System (LEW-16858)" NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 24, No. 7 (July 2000), page 67. To recapitulate: GENOA-PFA (a commercial version of the CODSTRAN program) implements a progressive-failure methodology. On the bases of material-property data, finite-element mathematical models, and service conditions, GENOA-PFA simulates the progression of damage ultimately leading to fractures in matrix/fiber composite materials, including complex ones in which the fibers are incorporated in two- or three-dimensional weaves or braids.