Fracture statistics modeling of laminate composites

A general approach to predict the behavior of the failure stress of fibre composites is proposed. Based on a probabilistic micro-macro approach, it accounts for the statistical distribution of defects along the fibres and on transverse specimens. After the introduction of a statistical volume element containing at least one critical defect, a finite element analysis is used to simulate the progression of damage in laminate specimens. The scale effects and the influence of the involved parameters on the failure of the material were studied for the following conditions: fiber breaks, transverse fracture, fracture of composite materials ([0, 90]s and angle ply laminates). (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.