Probabilistic assessment of pin joint strength in CFRP laminates

Abstract

Composite materials have more scattering material properties than conventional metals. Probabilistic design and analysis (PDA) method has been applied to develop more efficient designs of composites. In this study, an approach combining finite element damage analysis and a stochastic technique was applied to pin joints in CFRP laminates to analyze the probabilistic strength of the joints. A compressive strength parameter inherent to the material itself and a controllable dimension parameter were evaluated and compared for their effects on the strength.