Stochastic strength and size effect in ultra-high strength polyethylene fibres

Abstract

Abstract A modified Poisson/Weibull probabilistic scheme is shown to yield accurate predictions for the mechanical strength of several types of ultra-high-strength polyethylene fibres. Strong diameter effects observed in such fibres are also conveniently modelled the proposed scheme. This new approach is shown to be at least as satisfactory as previously proposed models for diameter effects based on linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM). Moreover, it provides a simple solution to a current problematic issue inherent to the Weibull/weakest-link model, namely the conflicting values generally obtained for the Weibull shape parameter as calculated from Weibull plots and weakest link predictions respectively.