Abstract
The extensive use of FRP composite materials in a wide range of industries, and their inherent variability, has prompted many researchers to assess their performance from a probabilistic perspective. This paper attempts to quantify the uncertainty in FRP composites and to summarise the different stochastic modelling approaches suggested in the literature. Researchers have considered uncertainties starting at a constituent (fibre/matrix) level, at the ply level or at a coupon or component level. The constituent based approach could be further classified as a random variable based stochastic computational mechanics approach (whose usage is comparatively limited due to complex test data requirements and possible uncertainty propagation errors) and the more widely used morphology based random composite modelling which has been recommended for exploring local damage and failure characteristics. The ply level analysis using either stiffness/strength or fracture mechanics based models is suggested when the ply characteristics influence the composite properties significantly, or as a way to check the propagation of uncertainties across length scales. On the other hand, a coupon or component level based uncertainty modelling is suggested when global response characteristics govern the design objectives. Though relatively unexplored, appropriate cross-fertilisation between these approaches in a multi-scale modelling framework seems to be a promising avenue for stochastic analysis of composite structures. It is hoped that this review paper could facilitate and strengthen this process. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1673-1684 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing |
Volume | 40 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Nov 2009 |
Keywords
- polymer-matrix composites (PMCs)
- mechanical properties
- micro-mechanics
- statistical properties/methods
- representative volume element
- fiber-reinforced composites
- polymer matrix composites
- moving-window technique
- heterogeneous materials
- laminated composites
- mechanical-properties
- elastic composites
- failure analysis
- unidirectional composites