In order to discuss the applicability of weak-link scaling to predicting tensile strength a methodology based upon progressive damage mechanism coupling Monte-Carlo simulation technique, by considering statistical particularity of fiber strength, was developed to analyze the tensile strength distribution of fiber-reinforced composites under thermo-mechanical loading. The results indicated that weak-link scaling worked very well with β =10 when the composite size was more than 25 fibers. When the composite strength get to be convergent, the strength distributions for bigger specimen can be predicted through weak-link scaling. It is concluded that materials must, for sufficiently large sizes, have strength distributions that obey weak-link scaling. This investigation can provide the theoretical basis for fatigue life modeling of composites under cyclic loads based upon micromechanical analysis of damage.
