Meso-Scale Finite Element Analysis of Mechanical Behavior of 3D Braided Composites Subjected to Biaxial Tension Loadings

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Abstract

In many engineering applications, 3D braided composites are designed for primary loading-bearing structures, and they are frequently subjected to multi-axial loading conditions during service. In this paper, a unit-cell based finite element model is developed for assessment of mechanical behavior of 3D braided composites under different biaxial tension loadings. To predict the damage initiation and evolution of braiding yarns and matrix in the unit-cell, we thus propose an anisotropic damage model based on Murakami damage theory in conjunction with Hashin failure criteria and maximum stress criteria. To attain exact stress ratio, force loading mode of periodic boundary conditions which never been attempted before is first executed to the unit-cell model to apply the biaxial tension loadings. The biaxial mechanical behaviors, such as the stress distribution, tensile modulus and tensile strength are analyzed and discussed. The damage development of 3D braided composites under typical biaxial tension loadings is simulated and the damage mechanisms are revealed in the simulation process. The present study generally provides a new reference to the meso-scale finite element analysis (FEA) of multi-axial mechanical behavior of other textile composites.

Keywords

3D braided composites Unit-cell Mechanical behavior Biaxial tension Meso-scale FEA 
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Notes

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Natural Science Research Project of Colleges and Universities in Jiangsu Province (17KJB130004), Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (BK20150479, BK20160786), Jiangsu Government Scholarship for Overseas Studies and Jiangsu University Study-abroad Fund.

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© Springer Science+Business Media B.V., part of Springer Nature 2018

Authors and Affiliations

  • Chao Zhang
    • 1
    • 2
  • Jose L. Curiel-Sosa
    • 2
  • Tinh Quoc Bui
    • 3
  1. 1.School of Mechanical EngineeringJiangsu UniversityZhenjiangChina
  2. 2.Department of Mechanical EngineeringThe University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
  3. 3.Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringTokyo Institute of TechnologyTokyoJapan

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