The use of Monte Carlo techniques in statistical finite element methods for the determination of the structural behaviour of composite materials structural components

The main purpose of this paper is to develop an alternative approach to the classical deterministic design to account for uncertainties encountered during design, construction and lifetime of structures. This approach is based on the use of statistical tools in material characterisation and structural design by means of the finite element method combined with Monte Carlo techniques. In the first instance, the mechanical behaviour of different materials, including composite materials, is characterised by means of stochastic tools. A procedure based on the combination of various methods for estimating distribution parameters has been set up to ensure correct estimation. The second part of the paper focuses on the finite element modelling of structures combined with Monte Carlo simulation to deal with the stochastic aspects of the input parameters (material properties, structure geometry and loading conditions) and determine the probability distribution characterising the structural response.