Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Mehdi Naderi Abadi

Michael Khonsari

Mehdi Amiri Darehbidi

Fatigue failure in composite materials can be successfully modeled and predicted by monitoring irreversible gains in entropy. Permanent degradations in composites are marked by irreversible processes that are characterized by increases in entropy. By measuring changes in entropy, one can model and predict the deterioration and failure of composites. The technique may be used to predict the deterioration and failure of composites under essentially any type of loading&#x2014;constant, variable, bending, torsion, tension, compression, or other.

Fatigue monitoring for composite materials

A method and apparatus are disclosed for approximating in real time the fracture fatigue entropy (FFE) of a metallic object subjected to cyclic loading. Such objects experience fatigue, which can lead to failure after a number of loading cycles. The disclosed invention allows for real time monitoring of the entropy increase in a metallic object under cyclic loading, and allows for removing the object from service before fatigue fracture occurs. Through use of the present invention, users may keep metallic objects in service for longer periods, because such objects may be safely taken closer to the fatigue fracture point. The invention therefore can effectively extend the useful life of many critical components and reduce downtime resulting from repair or premature replacement.

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Miami, FL, United States of America

Mehdi Naderi Abadi