Fibre misalignments in the split-disk test represented by random fields

Fibre misalignment is a major type of manufacturing defect in fibre-reinforced composite materials which has an adverse effect on the mechanical performance of composites. The present paper utilises stochastic models based on the random fields of fibre misalignment in the finite element analysis (FEA) of the split-disk test for filament wound composites. Local fibre misalignment characteristics are determined experimentally using X-ray micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) and then used to generate spatially correlated anisotropic random fields further mapped to finite element mechanical properties. The model predicts pronounced stress and strain non-homogeneity, an expected reduction in the overall modulus and pre-mature damage initiation. This leads to the evaluation of effect-of-defects and allowable for manufacturing tolerances in hoop layers of composite pressure vessels. •Representation and simulation of meso-scale fibre misalignment using spatially correlated anisotropic random fields.•Virtual split-disk test for filament wound composite rings with stochastic finite element modelling.•Study the effects of fibre misalignment on the hoop tensile behaviour of filament wound rings with stochastic modelling.