Finite Element Analysis of Mechanical Properties of 3D Four-Directional Rectangular Braided Composites Part 1: Microgeometry and 3D Finite Element Model

Abstract

Based on the microstructure of three-dimensional (3D) four-directional rectangular braided composites, a new parameterized 3D finite element model (FEM) is established. This model precisely simulates the spatial configuration of the braiding yarns and considers the cross-section deformation as well as the surface contact due to the mutual squeezing in the braiding process. Moreover, it is oriented in the same reference frame as the composites, which coincides with the actual configuration of 3D braided composites and facilitates the analysis of mechanical properties. In addition, the model investigates the relationships among the structural parameters, particularly the braiding angle and the interior braiding angle, which were not taken into account in the previous models. Based on the parameterized FEM, the structural geometry of the composites is analyzed and some conclusions are drawn herein. Good agreement has been obtained between the calculated and measured values of the geometric characteristics of braided composite samples.

Energy absorption behaviors of 3D braided composites under impact loadings with frequency domain analysis

“…Fang et al studied the progressive damage and nonlinear behaviors of 3D braided composite under unidirectional tension. Li et al discussed the mechanical properties of 3D four‐directional rectangular braided composite from its micro‐geometry and 3D finite element model. Jiang et al predicted the mechanical properties of 3D braided composites using a helix geometry model.…”

A novel interface constitutive model for prediction of stiffness and strength in 3D braided composites

“…Numerous studies on the mechanical properties of 3D braided composites have been made, including the establishment of structural models [1][2][3][4], the prediction of stiffness and strength properties [5][6][7][8][9], and the investigation of damage and failure mechanisms under various loadings [10][11][12][13][14][15]. In these micromechanical analysis works, only two constituents: the braiding yarn and matrix have been considered while the interface has been ignored.…”

XFEM for the evaluation of elastic properties of CNT-based 3-D full five-directional braided composites

“…the fiber and the matrix. Li et al [13] developed a new finite element model based on the microstructure of 3-D four-directional braided composites and observed that the braiding angle is an important parameter, which affects the external dimension, braiding pitch length, and fiber volume fraction of 3-D braided composites. Dong and Feng [14] studied the strength and failure pattern of 3-D braided composites by simulating the damage propagation under tensile loading with Figure 1.…”