Tensile Strength of Composite Fibers Author: Brian Russell Date: November 20, 2008 SMRE - Reliability Project

Objective: Using data provided by “Reliability Modeling, Prediction, and Optimization”, Case 2.6, “Tensile Strength of Fibers” I will explore the tensile strength of silicon carbide fibers after extraction from a ceramic matrix. Description of System: Estimate fiber strength after incorporation into the composite. Fiber strength is measured as stress applied until fracture failure of the fiber. The objective of the experiment was to determine the distribution of failures as a function of gauge length of the fiber after incorporation into the composite.

Methodology used for Analysis: Data will be imported to Minitab so that mathematical manipulation can be performed to produce transfer functions. Using Excel, Monte Carlo simulations will be performed to simulate a larger population Equations will be manipulated using Maple to produces the appropriate Reliability functions and display the data graphically.

Expected Outcome: The data will show if there is a significant difference in strength of varied lengths of carbon fibers. References: Reliability Modeling, Prediction, and Optimization, Wallace R. Blischke and D.N. Prabhakar Murthy, published 2000 by Wiley-Interscience Publication