Geometric Model and Elastic Constant Prediction of 3D Four-Step Braided Composites Based on the Cubic Spline Curve

Abstract

In this paper, the three-dimensional (3D) four-step (1×1) rectangular braided composites are analyzed, the internal yarn spatial topology and mechanical model are determined, a new geometric model, which uses a cubic spline curve to fit yarn trajectory, is presented. The new geometric model can be divided into three types of unit cell models which are the interior, surface and corner unit cell. Based on the new proposed geometric model and the stiffness averaging theory, the corresponding elastic constants are predicted. The predicted numerical results are calculated, and compared with the experimental results. Numerical examples indicate that the numerical calculations well agree with the experimental results. Error values between numerical calculations and experimental results are less than 7.5%. The numerical results verify the validity and accuracy of the new geometrical model.

Natural Plant Fiber Composites-Constituent Properties and Challenges in Numerical Modeling and Simulations

“…The first step of finite element analysis is to create the geometry of the structure and assign material properties [Ni and Wei, 2016]. The finite element analysis on the mechanical properties of natural fibers composites is a straightforward process during which certain failure criteria would be used to define the initiation and propagation of failure.…”

Natural Plant Fiber Composites - Constituent Properties and Challenges in Numerical Modelling and Simulations

“…Compared to carbon and glass fiber reinforced composites, numerical works on the natural fiber composites are scarcely reported in the literature. The first step of finite element analysis is to create the geometry of the structure and assign material properties [Ni and Wei, 2016]. The finite element analysis on the mechanical properties of natural fibers composites is a straightforward process during which certain failure criteria would be used to define the initiation and propagation of failure.…”

Mechanical behavior of three‐harness twill woven composite plates under tension loading

“…Zhou et al 21,22 presented a relatively simple but efficient approach to generate a geometric model of a 3D woven composite, which can capture the majority of details in corresponding real sample architectures. In addition, during the construction of the geometric model, some authors conducted in‐depth research on the yarn path 23 and yarn cross‐section 24,25 . Besides, the development of computers and the maturity of X‐ray computerized tomography (XCT) has proved it to be an extremely powerful and versatile tool for material structure characterization in recent years 26 .…”