Stochastic Finite Element Method for Laminated Composite Structures

The stochastic finite element method based on second moment method is developed for the probabilistic analysis of laminated composite structures in which physical properties have uncertainties and variability. The material properties, fiber angles, laminate thickness, and curvatures are modeled as random parameters. The first order shear deformable shell element is employed in application. Numerical results are presented for three example problems. The validity and accuracy of the method are verified through comparison of the present results with those obtained by the Monte Carlo simulation. Statistics of strains and stresses are derived very accurately by considering the randomness of the strain-displacement relation and principal material directions. The probability distribution of structural responses of composite structures can be assumed to be normal distribution, and therefore, can be evaluated quantitatively.