Effects of matrix cracking on the estimation of operational limits of FRP laminates

Paper in proceeding, 2012

Probabilistic failure analyses of structures are performed in order to determine the loading operational limits with respect to different degrees of safety. To guarantee an accurate prediction by numerical simulation, it is necessary to account for all the major sources of uncertainty and natural variation. Most probabilistic analyses disregard the degradation of the laminate’s properties caused by matrix cracking. The objective of this investigation is to determine the effects that matrix cracks have on the estimation of operational limits through probabilistic analyses. The analyses compare the predictions of different models that consider some of the effects of the development of matrix cracks during loading. The importance of the methodology for taking into account matrix cracking in probabilistic failure analyses is discussed.