Hybrid approacH for High durabilitY of polymer matrix compositES of next low-emission aircraft – H3YES

The ADEME proposes different scenarios to help achieving carbon neutrality in France by 2050. One key approach is improving the use, production and durability of materials. Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites (FRPMCs) are highlighted candidates for structural applications in sectors like transport and energy due to their superior specific properties and resistance to environmental aging. As an example, the development of more efficient engines for future low-emission aircraft requires durable materials that can withstand higher service temperatures. Thus, the use of new reinforcements more thermally compatible with current matrix at high temperature such as basalt FRPMCs worth exploring in comparison with classical carbon FRPMCs. The current environmental urgency requires to further address the following issues for a better evaluation of composites and structures’ durability: (i) the development of new hybrid strategies based on multi-scale characterisation and modelling of the degradation of FRPMCs in oxidant environment, (ii) the application of previous strategies for predicting more accurate lifetime of composite structures subjected to coupling effects (thermal and mechanical loadings). These points look for addressing the gaps in aging evaluation of FRPMCs by selecting essential experimental tests as well as best adapted scales of modelling. To overcome it, the aim of the present project is to develop a new hybrid methodology for characterisation and simulation of FRPMCs subjected to thermo-mechanical aging based on multi-scale experimental testing and numerical modelling of degradation mechanisms. Experimental data will be put in dialog with related numerical simulation in the H3YES project to build this strategy from the microstructural scale to the mesoscopic and laminate scale in order to select the most pertinent one depending on the mechanisms of degradation of interest (thermal oxidation, transverse cracking, fibre/matrix debonding, delamination).