Stress-strength interference theory for a pin-loaded composite joint

Considering the increasing applications of composites as structural components, the reliability of these materials is an important issue. In this paper, stress-strength interference theory is used to determine the reliability of a component that is characterized having a Weibull strength distribution and is under the effects of an applied load that is not deterministic, but follows a probability distribution. The assumption that failure is caused by the maximum of a sequence of applied loads is the basis for describing the applied load distribution as a Gumbel Type 1 extreme value distribution. Reliability plots are given for a class of strength parameters that are typical of graphite/epoxy laminates. A numerical example for a pin-loaded composite laminate is shown using experimentally obtained data.