A qualitive fault tree analysis for the tensile failure of fibrous laminated composites

Abstract

The use of fault tree analysis for the identification of failure modes and mechanisms for laminated composite materials is discussed. The fault tree technique is first defined and a synopsis of the technique as well as a synopsis of the failure of composites is given. The two, fault tree analysis and elements of composite failure, are then combined to identify a fault tree for composite failure. The elements of fault tree are discussed qualitatively in relation to the likely failure modes for composites such as delamination, fibre breakage, matrix cracking, etc. Further, the necessity for quantitizing the fault tree described is outlined.