The tensile strength of a discontinuous composite system consisting of aligned, unidirectional prepreg platelets is predicted by performing progressive damage analyses in a periodic representative volume element. Interlaminar and in-plane damage mechanisms are combined to yield failure characteristics of the meso-structure. The length-to-thickness ratio of the platelet was found to be the primary variable for control of system strength and failure mode. A critical platelet aspect ratio was determined as that ratio wherein system strength is maximized. Further, composite strength variability was shown to be vary inversely with aspect ratio, while attaining a minimum at the critical aspect ratio.

通过在周期性有代表性的体积元素中进行渐进式损伤分析，可以预测由对齐的单向预浸料薄片组成的不连续复合材料系统的拉伸强度。层间破坏和平面内破坏机制相结合以产生细观结构的破坏特征。发现血小板的长厚比是控制系统强度和失效模式的主要变量。临界血小板长径比被确定为系统强度最大化的比率。此外，显示出复合强度变化随纵横比成反比，而在临界纵横比上达到最小值。