Update on a Progressive-Failure-Analysis Software System

A report presents additional information on 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. On the basis of material-property data, finite-element mathematical models, and service conditions, GENOA-PFA simulates the initiation and progression of damage ultimately leading to global structural failures in composite-material structures. The composite materials include complex architectures in which fibers are placed in two- or three-dimensional weaves or braids. Whereas the cited prior article characterized GENOA-PFA as applicable to only polymer-matrix composites, the report characterizes it as applicable to other composite structures also, including ones that contain ceramic or metal matrices.