Probabilistic multiscale approach for carbon fibre/epoxy composites. Application on type IV composite pressure vessels

Abstract : This study proposes a probabilistic model to predict mechanical behaviours and failures of type IV composite pressure vessels. Strength distribution along fibres has been estimated. Image analysis and pyrolysis have been used for fibre packings and distributions of fibres volume fraction. Tensile tests have been carried out for a behaviour characterization and a validation of model. Then, multiscale finite element analysis has been performed with a homogenisation method. Scale effect of resizing elements has been considered. After validation in macroscopic scale, the probabilistic model has been applied to burst test simulations of a composite pressure vessel. A good agreement with experimental result has been observed. A comparison of probabilistic and deterministic models has been discussed..