Xu, XiaodongJesus, AndréWan, YiTakahashi, Jun2024-06-032024-06-032025-01Xu X, Jesus A, Wan Y, Takahashi J. (2025) A stochastic modelling framework for predicting flexural properties of ultra-thin randomly oriented strands. Advanced Composite Materials, Volume 34, Issue 1, January 2025, pp. 1-150924-3046https://doi.org/10.1080/09243046.2024.2351667https://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/21821A stochastic modelling framework is developed to predict the flexural properties of high-strength sheet moulding compounds made of randomly oriented ultra-thin carbon fibre-reinforced thermoplastic prepreg tapes. The model enables reliable designs using ultra-thin randomly oriented strands with less testing, leading to potential applications in automotive primary structures. The stochastic model is based on a Monte Carlo simulation. The flexural modulus is predicted using classical laminate theory, while the flexural strength is predicted by following a Weibull distribution. Fibre discontinuities are considered through stress concentrations introduced by tape overlaps. The results are validated against new 3-point bending and previously reported 4-point bending experimental results. A scaling effect on strength and scatter is predicted, and its implications for structural applications are also discussed.1-15en-UKAttribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 Internationalhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/strengthmoulding compoundsthin plythermoplasticsrandomly oriented strandsArticle341