Novel Mathematical-Statistical Models for the Distribution of Fatigue Life and Residual Strength for Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

Abstract

For the distribution prediction of fatigue life and residual strength of fiber reinforced polymer composites, the existing models have the disadvantages of imprecision, instability and single applicability. A novel S–N curve model and a residual strength degradation model were first developed, which are independent and uncorrelated. After verifying their reliability, the statistical distribution models of fatigue life and residual strength were further derived and verified by using experimental data from literature. Compared with the other models, the proposed models can perfectly predict the probability distribution of fatigue life and residual strength under different materials, stacking sequences and stress levels, showing excellent prediction accuracy, stability and applicability.