Computation of Progressive Fracture in a Bolted Laminate

A method of computational simulation of progressive fracture in composite-material (matrix/fiber) structural components has been developed. This method does not involve stress-intensity factors or fracture toughnesses. Instead, it involves consideration of the mechanics of the composite from the microscopic (matrix and fiber) constituent level through the subply and ply scales to the structural scale, while using probabilistic techniques to account for uncertainties in such variables as properties of materials, fabrication variables, dimensions, and loads.