Method for furnishing evidence of endurance strength in fibre composite components

: Huth, H.

Abstract
This paper sets out the fibre composite structures for which proof of service life is required, and the extent to which the existing rules and regulations need to be taken into account for this. The background to the different dimensioning guidelines, such as failure criteria, safety requirements, production influences etc., is explained. Taking examples from the automotive industry, the steps involved in furnishing evidence of endurance strength are demonstrated. Particular details are given of the characteristics specific to fibre composites when it comes to load assumptions, stress analysis, the selection of material characteristic values and the service life prediction. A distinction is drawn between mathematically-based evidence, i.e. the estimation of the service life in the pre-dimensioning phase, and experimentally furnished evidence using the finished component.