Spanos, Pol D.2009-06-042009-06-041989Gonnaud, Jean-Louis. "A probabilistic approach to the Critical Element Model for fatigue in composite materials." (1989) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/13359">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/13359</a>.https://hdl.handle.net/1911/13359The suitability of traditional fatigue design methods to deal with complex damage modes in composite materials is critically assessed. After a survey of the recent fatigue models, a new methodology is developed, based on both the Markovian discrete time discrete state stochastic processes and the Critical Element Model for damage in composite materials. In a practical application of the methodology, the fatigue behavior of cross ply Carbon Epoxy laminates is derived from a Monte-Carlo simulation.91 p.application/pdfengCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.Mechanical engineeringAerospace engineeringThesisTHESIS M.E. 1989 GONNAUD