A methodology and attendant computer code were developed and are used to computationally simulate the uncertain behavior of composite structures. The uncertain behavior includes buckling loads, stress concentration factors, displacements, stress/strain, etc., which are the consequences of the inherent uncertainties (scatter) in the primitive (independent random) variables (constituent, ply, laminate, and structural) that describe the composite structures. The computer code is IPACS (Integrated Probabilistic Assessment of Composite Structures). IPACS can simulate both composite mechanics and composite structural behavior. Application to probabilistic composite mechanics is illustrated by its use to evaluate the uncertainties in the major Poisson's ratio and in laminate stiffness and strength. IPACS' application to probabilistic structural analysis is illustrated by its used to evaluate the uncertainties in the buckling of a composite plate, the stress concentration factor in a composite panel, and the vertical displacement and ply stress in a composite aircraft wing segment. IPACS' application to probabilistic design is illustrated by its use to assess the thin composite shell (pipe). Chamis, C. C. and Shiao, Michael C. Glenn Research Center RTOP 510-02-12...

This symposium is the seventh of a series of IUTAM sponsored symposia which focus on probabilistic methods in mechanics. It is the sequel to the series of meetings in Coventry, UK (1972), Southhampton, UK (1976), Frankfurt/Oder, Germany (1982), Stockholm, Sweden (1984), Innsbruck/Igls, Austria (1987), and Turin, Italy (1991). The symposium focused on advances in the area of probabilistic mechanics with direct application to structural reliability issues. The contributed papers address collectively the four components of a structural reliability problem. They are: characterization of stochastic loads, description of material properties in terms of fatigue and fracture, response determination, and quantitative assessment of the reliability of the structural system. Four Keynote Lectures by V. Bolotin (Russia), o. Ditlevsen (Denmark), R. Heller (USA), and F. Ziegler (Austria) were delivered; the remaining contributed papers were organized in ten technical sessIons. A reception was hosted by Dr. Y. Wu the first day of the symposium; the second day of the symposium a banquet was hosted by Dr. P. Spanos, with Dr. N. Abramson serving as the banquet speaker. Closing remarks were provided by the IUTAM Secretary General, Dr. F. Ziegler.