Numerical modeling of gas leakage through damaged composite laminates

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed to predict leakage through a damaged laminate. Crack opening displacements (COD) from a 3D finite element model were fit using a polynomial function. This curve fit was then used in defining the openings in the CFD model. Delamination length at crack intersections was estimated based on experimental data for specimens subjected to thermal loads only. Leakage under combined thermal and biaxial mechanical loadings was predicted with the estimated delamination length. Considering the sensitivity of the predictions to many variables, the calculated leakage under combined thermal and biaxial mechanical loadings was estimated with reasonable accuracy.