Reliability analysis of laminated CMC components through shell subelement techniques

An updated version of the integrated design program C/CARES (composite ceramic analysis and reliability evaluation of structures) was developed for the reliability evaluation of CMC laminated shell components. The algorithm is now split in two modules: a finite-element data interface program and a reliability evaluation algorithm. More flexibility is achieved, allowing for easy implementation with various finite-element programs. The new interface program from the finite-element code MARC also includes the option of using hybrid laminates and allows for variations in temperature fields throughout the component.