REVIEW OF PROBABILISTIC MODELS OF THE STRENGTH OF COMPOSITE-MATERIALS

The available literature concerning probabilistic models describing th e strength of composite materials has been reviewed to highlight the i mportant aspects of this behaviour which will be of interest to the mo delling and analysis of a complex system. The success with which these theories have been used to predict experimental results has been disc ussed. Since the brittle reinforcement phase largely controls the stre ngth of composites, the probabilistic theories used to describe the st rength of brittle materials, fibres and bundles of fibres have been de tailed. The use of these theories to predict the strength of composite materials has been considered, along with further developments incorp orating the damage accumulation observed in the failure of such materi als. Probabilistic theories of the strength of short-fibre composites have been outlined. Emphasis has been placed throughout on straightfor ward engineering explanations of these theories and how they may be us ed, rather than providing comprehensive statistical descriptions. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Limited.