Title: Reliability predictions of large composite structures with defects

Authors: Robert Tryon, Animesh Dey

Addresses: VEXTEC Corporation, 116 Wilson Pike Suite 230, Brentwood, TN 23027, USA. ' VEXTEC Corporation, 116 Wilson Pike Suite 230, Brentwood, TN 23027, USA

Abstract: This paper presents a methodology that enables engineers to address composite design uncertainty for large structures using a global/local approach based on finite element analysis. The study established the feasibility of reliability-based analysis and design methodology for bond integrity between the face sheet and the core of composite sandwich structures with uncertainty in design and manufacturing parameters. The study focused on delamination fracture as the failure mode and the mechanism was modelling using a virtual crack closure technique.

Keywords: laminate composites; fracture; tanks; FORM; Monte Carlo; systems reliability.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2004.003909

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2004 Vol.20 No.1/2/3, pp.1 - 20

Published online: 10 May 2004 *

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