A finite element based statistical model for progressive tensile fibre failure in composite laminates

This paper presents a two-parameter integrated Weibull model that is implemented in a finite element analysis to capture the well known “size effect” in composite materials. It can thus account for the effect of randomly distributed defects on fibre dominated tensile failure in a general loading situation. Here it is combined with cohesive interface elements to include the interaction with delamination. As a verification of the modelling method,...