Computational model for virtually characterizing two-dimensional tri-axially braided composites using realistic microstructural details

Abstract

A finite element model is created from realistic microstructural data in order to predict the mechanical properties of two-dimensional tri-axially braided textile composites (2DTBCs), specifically with a focus on the prediction of their compressive strength. The virtually manufactured model is based on information about the realistic geometry of the textile architecture and nonlinear material properties of fiber tows and matrix. A parametric representative unit cell model is developed in a fully three-dimensional setting for the construction of representative textile architectures. The computational model is utilized to predict the compressive strength of 2DTBCs.