Analysis of Open Hole Tensile Strength in a Prepreg Platelet Molded Composite with Stochastic Meso-Structure

Abstract

The variability of open-hole tensile strength of a prepreg platelet molded composite with stochastic meso-morphology and deterministic platelet size was simulated by progressive failure analysis. Continuum damage mechanics was used to model the constitutive response of the platelet material. The analysis showed that openhole coupon fracture may occur at or away from the hole, depending on the stochastic meso-morphology details. It was also demonstrated that as the notch diameter is increased, the probability of fracture at the notch is increased.