A probability model for fibrous composites with local load sharing

Abstract

Abstract The chain-of-bundles model for fibrous composites is reviewed, and an approximation to the probability of failure is derived. This leads to formulae for predicting the strength of such a composite. These formulae are developed in the context of an asymptotic theory, and the Monte Carlo method is used to study a specific case in more detail. We also discuss the size effect. The probabilistic analysis relies heavily on extreme value theory, and a brief survey of the relevant parts of that theory is included.