The results of an experimental program to verify a recently proposed s
tochastic damage accumulation model for symmetric composite laminates
subjected to fatigue loading are presented and used to support the dev
elopment of a life prediction model. The model is based on the applica
tion of nonstationary Markov chains to the ''critical element'' approa
ch for life prediction of composites. It is a hybrid strength/stiffnes
s degradation model which utilizes basic probability-stress-life infor
mation (P-S-N curves) in conjunction with the evolutionary distributio
n of stresses on the critical load bearing plies of a laminate to dete
rmine the evolutionary probability of failure of a laminate. The appli
cability of the life prediction model is demonstrated through a numeri
cal example. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.