Damage analysis of fiber composites Part I: Statistical analysis on fiber scale

This paper is the first in a series dealing with computational analysis of damage and fracture in fiber composite systems. In the paper, a part of a composite plate, in the form of a 0.5 x 2.0 mm section containing 16 000 unidirectional fibers, is analyzed. The analysis concentrates on stochastic constitutive properties and statistics of the maximal local fiber-matrix interface stresses. The equations of linear elasticity are assumed, and residiual stresses and stresses due to mechanical loads are analyzed and characterized. In forthcoming papers, results from the present paper will form the basis for analysis of damage initiation and growth. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.