Coupled Multidisciplinary Simulation of Composite Engine Structures in Propulsion Environment

A computational simulation procedure is described for the coupled response of multilayered multimaterial composite engine structural components that are subjected to simultaneous multidisciplinary thermal, structural, vibration, and acoustic loading including the effect of hostile environments. The simulation is based on a three-dimensional finite element analysis technique in conjunction with structural mechanics codes and with the acoustic analysis methods. The composite material behavior is assessed at the various composite scales, i.e., the laminate/ply/fiber and matrix constituents, via a nonlinear material characterization model. Sample cases exhibiting nonlinear geometric, material, loading, and environmental behavior of aircraft engine fan blades are presented. Results for deformed shape, vibration frequencies, mode shapes, and acoustic noise emitted from the fan blade are discussed for their coupled effect in hot and humid environments. Results such as acoustic noise for coupled composite-mechanics/heat transfer/structural/vibration/acoustic analyses demonstrate the effectiveness of coupled multidisciplinary computational simulation and the various advantages of composite materials compared to metals.