Determination of the representative volume element model critical size for carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites

The critical size is a prerequisite to accurately evaluate mechanical properties by utilizing the representative volume element (RVE) model. This study proposes a method to determine the RVE model critical size based on statistical theory. First of all, the distribution types followed by the calculated results of models are tested by hypothesis test methods. Afterwards, the least sample for a given confidence level is determined by using the t-test. Lastly, the RVE model critical size is determined by analyzing the dispersion of statistics. The results show that the mechanical properties of different models for the same size follow a normal distribution. The least sample exists where the error of mechanical properties is stable. By quantifying the dispersion of mechanical properties, the RVE model critical size is determined at low significance level and low critical error, hence the error of results for an arbitrary model with this size can be quantified. [Display omitted] •Discovers the mechanical properties of sample are following a normal distribution.•Quantifies the significance of the error of mechanical properties in a sample.•Determines the least sample with the error satisfying the requirement.•Determines the RVE model critical size under the statistical significance.