Developing Mathematical Models of Stress Concentration Factor Using Response Surface Method

The present paper consists first in developing mathematical models to predict stress concentration factor of a carbon fiber reinforced epoxy. Based on response surface method (RSM) a mathematical model has been determined, in which three factors with three levels are implemented. Carbon fiber content, fiber angle, and stress loading are chosen as the main input parameters in this study, which are very significant and rarely considered. The stress concentration factor is considered as output response which is evaluated through finite element study. Second, Minitab statistical package was used to analyze the numerical results and to investigate the effect and the interaction of different factors. An empirical relationship was developed based on the RSM approach for correlating the stress concentration factor with predominant process parameters. The proposed approach can be used as a powerful and an interesting method for engineering design, to determine the stress concentration factor behavior of a carbon fiber reinforced epoxy.