Modeling of multilayer composite fabrics for gas turbine engine containment systems

An experimental and modeling system for the modeling of multilayer composite fabrics used in a gas turbine engine containment system is developed. Specifically, Kevlar 49 (17×17) and Zylon AS (35×35) fabrics are used in the study. The experimental setup is first used to obtain the material properties of these fabrics. Later, one or more layers of these fabrics is tightly wrapped around a steel cylinder that simulates an engine containment housing. A steel penerator (or a blunt nose) is used in a static test by slowly pushing against the fabric. The resulting load-deflection data are used to compute a variety of parameters, including the energy absorption capacity. The material behavior obtained from the experimental study is then used as the constitutive model in a finite element simulation of the static test. The objective is to develop a procedure for understanding the relative strengths and weaknesses of different fabrics and to aid in the development of finite element modeling of actual fan blade-out events.