A numerical simulation algorithm is developed in the present paper in order
to characterize the random strength distribution of a batch of composite l
aminates. The program is based on the assumption that the axial, transverse
and shear strengths of the composite lamina are statistically characterize
d by two-dimensional random fields. Monte Carlo method is employed to gener
ate these strengths. When loading is applied to the composite laminate, the
resultant stresses are then compared with the generated strengths of the l
amina based on Tsai-Hill or Tsai-Wu criterion. The strength of the laminate
is then determined. Owing to the random strength distributions of the lami
na, the strength of the composite laminate is also statistically distribute
d which can provide useful information on the reliability assessment of a s
tructure or component made of the laminate. In order to verify the above si
mulation algorithm, experimental work is conducted in the present study. It
is found that the proposed simulation algorithm can adequately capture the
behavior of the experimental result. It is also concluded that, for the st
rength of the studied laminates, both the numerical simulation and experime
ntal results can be fitted well by the normal probability density function.
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