Finite Element Analysis of Thermo-Mechanical Properties of 3D Braided Composites

This paper presents a modified finite element model (FEM) to investigate the thermo-mechanical properties of three-dimensional (3D) braided composite. The effective coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) and the meso-scale mechanical response of 3D braided composites are predicted. The effects of the braiding angle and fiber volume fraction on the effective CTE are evaluated. The results are compared to the experimental data available in the literature to demonstrate the accuracy and reliability of the present method. The tensile stress distributions of the representative volume element (RVE) are also outlined. It is found that the stress of the braiding yarn has a significant increase with temperature rise; on the other hand, the temperature change has an insignificant effect on the stress of the matrix. In addition, a rapid decrease in the tensile strength of 3D braided composites is observed with the increase in temperature. It is revealed that the thermal conditions have a significant effect on the strength of 3D braided composites. The present method provides an effective tool to predict the stresses of 3D braided composites under thermo-mechanical loading.     

Finite Element Analysis of Mechanical Properties of 3D Four-directional Rectangular Braided Composites—Part 2: Validation of the 3D Finite Element Model

In the first part of the work, we have established a new parameterized three-dimensional (3D) finite element model (FEM) which precisely simulated the spatial configuration of the braiding yarns and considered the cross-section deformation as well as the surface contact relationship between the yarns. This paper presents a prediction of the effective elastic properties and the meso-scale mechanical response of 3D braided composites to verify the validation of the FEM. The effects of the braiding parameters on the mechanical properties are investigated in detail. By analyzing the deformation and stress nephogram of the model, a reasonable overall stress field is provided and the results well support the strength prediction. The results indicate it is convenient to predict all the elastic constants of 3D braided composites with different parameters simultaneously using the FEM. Moreover, the FEM can successfully predict the meso-scale mechanical response of 3D braided composites containing periodical structures.     

Microstructural Modeling and Second-Order Two-Scale Computation for Mechanical Properties of 3D 4-Directional Braided Composites

This study is concerned with the microstructural modeling and mechanical properties computation of three-dimensional (3D) 4-directional braided composites. Microstructure of the braided composite determines its mechanical properties and a precise geometry modeling of the composite is essential to predict the material properties. On the basis of microscopic observation, a new parameterized microstructural unit cell model is established in this paper. And this model truly simulates the microstructure of the braided composites. Furthermore, the mathematical relationships among the structural parameters, including the braiding angle, fiber volume fraction and braiding bitch, are derived. By using the unit cell model, the second-order two-scale (SOTS) method is applied to predict the mechanical properties of 3D 4-directional braided composites, including stiffness parameters and strength parameters. Besides, the effects of the braiding angle and fiber volume fraction on the elastic constants are investigated in detail. Numerical results show that the predictive stiffness and strength parameters are in good agreement with the available experimental data, which demonstrate that the established unit cell model is applicable and the second-order two-scale method is valid to predict the mechanical properties of 3D 4-directional braided composites.     

Multi-Scale Modeling of an Integrated 3D Braided Composite with Applications to Helicopter Arm

A study is conducted with the aim of developing multi-scale analytical method for designing the composite helicopter arm with three-dimensional (3D) five-directional braided structure. Based on the analysis of 3D braided microstructure, the multi-scale finite element modeling is developed. Finite element analysis on the load capacity of 3D five-directional braided composites helicopter arm is carried out using the software ABAQUS/Standard. The influences of the braiding angle and loading condition on the stress and strain distribution of the helicopter arm are simulated. The results show that the proposed multi-scale method is capable of accurately predicting the mechanical properties of 3D braided composites, validated by the comparison the stress-strain curves of meso-scale RVCs. Furthermore, it is found that the braiding angle is an important factor affecting the mechanical properties of 3D five-directional braided composite helicopter arm. Based on the optimized structure parameters, the nearly net-shaped composite helicopter arm is fabricated using a novel resin transfer mould (RTM) process.     

Process parameters design of a three-dimensional and five-directional braided composite joint based on finite element analysis

This paper presents an analytical method for designing the configuration of composite joint with three-dimensional (3D) five-directional braided composites. Based on the analysis of 3D braided structure characteristics, the elastic properties of the 3D five-directional braided composites were determined by the volume averaging method. The effects of the braiding angle and fiber volume fraction on the elastic constants of the braided composites were also discussed. Finite element analysis on the load capacity of the 3D five-directional braided composite joint was implemented using the software ANSYS Workbench 14.0. The influence of braiding angle on the stress, strain and deformation of the composite joint under tensile loading were calculated. The results show that when the fiber volume fraction of the 3D five-directional braided preform is given, the equivalent stress of the composite joint decreases monotonically as the braiding angle increases, while the normal stress, maximum principal stress and total deformation firstly decreases and then increases. Based on the finite element analysis, we found that at the fiber volume fraction of 60%, the braiding angle within the range of 30–35° are the optimum processing parameters for the 3D five-directional braided composite joint structure that used in the tensile load 320 N condition.     

三维编织复合材料热物理性能实验

针对不同编织工艺参数的三维四向编织复合材料,进行了热环境下的热物理性能实验研究,获得了热环境下三维四向编织复合材料的热物理性能变化规律及其分布特征,分析了环境温度和编织角对材料的热膨胀系数(CTE)、热传导系数(CTC)、比热(SH)以及热扩散率(TD)的影响,得到了一些重要结论。这些结果为三维编织复合材料的热物理性能数值分析以及进一步研究材料的热力耦合行为奠定了实验基础。     

Computational Analysis of Torsional Bulking Behavior of 3D 4-Directional Braided Composites Shafts

The torsional bulking behavior of 3D 4-directional braided composites shafts was analyzed in this work. First, the unit cell models of 3D 4-directional braided composites shafts with different braiding angles and fiber volume fraction were built up. Then, the elastic parameters of 3D 4-directional braided composites shafts were predicted using the unit cells under different boundary conditions. Finally, the torsional bulking eigenvalues and bulking modes of the composites shafts were obtained by numerical simulation, and the effects of braiding angle and fiber volume fraction on the torsional bulking behavior of 3D 4-directional braided composites shafts were analyzed. The simulation results show that the bulking eigenvalues increase with the increase of braiding angle and fiber volume fraction. This work will play an important role in the design of 3D 4-directional braided composites shafts.     

Finite Element Analysis of 2.5D Woven Composites,Part I: Microstructure and 3D Finite Element Model

A new parameterized finite element model, called the Full-cell model, has been established based on the practical microstructure of 2.5D angle-interlock woven composites. This model considering the surface layer structure can predict the mechanical properties and estimate the structural performance such as the fiber volume fraction and inclination angle. According to introducing a set of periodic boundary condition, a reasonable overall stress field and periodic deformation are obtained. Furthermore, the model investigates the relationships among the woven parameters and elastic moduli, and shows the structural variation along with the corresponding woven parameters. Comparing the results calculated by FEM with the experiments, the veracity of calculation and reasonability based on the Full-cell model are confirmed. In the meantime, the predicted results based on the Full-cell model are more closed to the test results compared to those based on the Inner-cell model.     

三维四向编织碳纤维/环氧树脂复合材料在热环境中的拉压力学性能实验

针对不同编织角度的三维四向编织碳纤维/环氧树脂复合材料,进行了热环境下的轴向拉伸和压缩力学性能实验研究,讨论了温度对三维四向编织复合材料的轴向拉伸和压缩力学性能的影响,并根据宏观断裂形貌和SEM图像分析了材料的破坏和断裂机制。结果表明,随着测试温度的升高,三维四向编织碳纤维/环氧树脂复合材料的纵向拉伸强度有小幅提高,而纵向压缩强度显著降低。在室温条件下,编织角对材料的纵向拉伸破坏特征没有影响,而对材料的纵向压缩破坏特征有较大影响。随着测试温度的升高,不同编织角度复合材料的纵向拉伸和压缩的损伤破坏形态均与室温条件下明显不同。      

三维编织复合材料悬臂梁的振动特性

基于三维四向和五向编织复合材料的细观结构和单胞模型, 对三维四步法矩形截面编织复合材料悬臂梁的振动阻尼性能进行了理论分析, 研究了编织角、 纤维体积分数等工艺参数对材料振动阻尼特性的影响, 并与实验结果进行了对比。对三细胞模型进行了改进, 采用混合律得到了材料的总体刚度, 进而得到一阶固有频率。此外, 还分别计算了一个周期内不同走向纱线和基体振动消耗的能量, 以及总振动能量, 得到了材料的损耗因子。结果表明, 对于三维四向和五向编织复合材料, 一阶固有频率随编织角的增加而减小, 随纤维体积分数的增加而增大; 而损耗因子随编织角的增加而增大, 随纤维体积分数的增加而减小, 并表现出明显的非线性变化规律。      

Asymptotic expansion homogenization for simulating progressive damage of 3D braided composites

In order to study tensile strength of 3D braided composites in the microscope view, non-linear progressive damages under tensile loading steps are conducted in this article. Micro-stress is simulated firstly by the method of Asymptotic Expansion Homogenization (AEH) combined with finite-element analysis. A criterion is approached to determine damage and its mode of each element, and stiffness degradation is implemented for the damaged elements with geometric damage theory. Furthermore, the tensile strengths are predicted from calculated stress–strain curves. From simulation, the damage mode for small braiding angle and large braiding angle is different at all. More damage elements are observed in face cell than in body cell. The tensile strength decreases with increase of braiding angle, but the fracture strain has different development. It is verified that 3D braided composites with small braiding angle have better strength but poorer ductility than the composites with large braiding angle.     

Numerical Study on the Tensile Behavior of 3D Four Directional Cylindrical Braided Composite Shafts

The tensile behavior of 3D four directional cylindrical braided composite shafts was analyzed with the numerical method. The unit cell models for the 3D four directional cylindrical braided composite shafts with various braiding angles were constructed with ABAQUS. Hashin’s failure criterion was used to analyze the tensile strength and the damage evolution of the unit cells. The influence of the braiding angle on the tensile behavior of the 3D four directional cylindrical braided composite shafts was analyzed. The numerical results showed that the tensile strength along the braiding direction increased as the braiding angle decreased. These results should play an integral role in the design of braiding composites shafts.     

三维编织复合材料力学性能的实验研究

对四步法三维编织复合材料的拉伸、压缩和弯曲等性能进行了实验研究，得到了该材料的主要力学性能参数及破坏规律。实验结果表明：三维编织复合材料具有良好的力学性能，而编织工艺和编织结构对复合材料的性能有较大的影响，这些结果为进一步研究复合材料的强度反作用失效问题奠定了实验基础。     

三维六向编织复合材料弹性性能理论预测

在三维六向编织物纱线运动规律的基础上, 建立了单胞模型, 推导了编织参数之间的数学关系。基于该模型, 采用改进的刚度平均化方法, 导出了三维六向编织复合材料的工程弹性常数, 分析了编织角和纤维体积含量对弹性性能的影响。结果表明, 三维六向编织复合材料具有良好的力学性能, 由于面内纬纱的加入, 使面内的力学性能得到了提高。      

Integrated Design For Manufacturing of Braided Preforms For Advanced Composites Part II: 3D Braiding

This paper presents the integrated design of manufacturing of braided preforms by two types of novel 3D braiding technology: 3D Cartesian braiding and novel hexagonal braiding. The principles for design are first introduced and the ensuing software package development is subsequently discussed. The relationships between fiber volume fraction and braiding angle which are key parameters for fiber reinforcement composites were analyzed and compared. Meanwhile, several samples are carried out to verify the software. The result shows it is consistent between theoretical and experimental results. Combined with the Part I: 2D braiding section, many complex shape performs can be made, which will be usefully for design of advanced composites.     

三维四向大编织角复合材料的细观强度分析

编织角是影响三维编织复合材料力学性能的最重要因素.实验数据表明:大编织角复合材料在单向拉伸作用下的破坏形式较为复杂,其应力-应变曲线呈现非线性特性.本文建立了细观应力场的均匀化列式和有限元求解方法,运用该方法对三维大编织角复合材料的细观应力分布进行了数值模拟,结合相关的强度理论对材料进行失效分析,并进一步对材料的拉伸强度进行预测.强度计算结果与实验结果较为吻合.     

考虑纤维束间粘接层的三维四向编织复合材料弹性性能数值预测

考虑了相邻纤维束之间的界面粘接效应, 建立了考虑纤维束间粘接层的三维四向编织复合材料单胞有限元模型, 较为真实地模拟了该材料的细观结构, 讨论了相应的边界条件和约束条件, 并采用有限元方法计算了该材料的等效弹性性能参数, 计算结果与实验值符合较好。研究了等效弹性性能参数随不同编织角及体积分数的变化关系, 得到了体胞的细观应力场, 为强度分析提供数据。      

Meso-Scale Damage Simulation of 3D Braided Composites under Quasi-Static Axial Tension

The microstructure of 3D braided composites is composed of three phases: braiding yarn, matrix and interface. In this paper, a representative unit-cell (RUC) model including these three phases is established. Coupling with the periodical boundary condition, the damage behavior of 3D braided composites under quasi-static axial tension is simulated by using finite element method based on this RUC model. An anisotropic damage model based on Murakami damage theory is proposed to predict the damage evolution of yarns and matrix; a damage-friction combination interface constitutive model is adopted to predict the interface debonding behavior. A user material subroutine (VUMAT) involving these damage models is developed and implemented in the finite element software ABAQUS/Explicit. The whole process of damage evolution of 3D braided composites under quasi-static axial tension with typical braiding angles is simulated, and the damage mechanisms are revealed in detail in the simulation process. The tensile strength properties of the braided composites are predicted from the calculated stress-strain curves. Numerical results agree with the available experiment data and thus validates the proposed damage analysis model. The effects of certain material parameters on the predicted stress-strain responses are also discussed by numerical parameter study.     

三维编织玻璃/环氧复合材料梁的低速冲击和冲击后压缩性能研究

试验制备了三维编织四向结构、五向结构和六向结构的玻璃纤维预制件增强环氧树脂梁的复合材料试样,每种试样包含20°、30°和40°三个编织角度.研究了编织结构和编织角参数对复合材料低速冲击及冲击后压缩性能的影响,分析了损伤后的试样形貌及破坏情况.试验结果表明:编织参数对复合材料的损伤容限影响较显著;编织角相同时,五向结构具有较高的CAI强度,而六向结构则表现出较好的冲击韧性;编织结构相同时,30°编织角试样的抗冲击性能较好;同时,冲击后压缩试样表现出脆性断裂特征.     

Meso-Scale Finite Element Simulations of 3D Braided Textile Composites: Effects of Force Loading Modes

Meso-scale finite element method (FEM) is considered as the most effective and economical numerical method to investigate the mechanical behavior of braided textile composites. Applying the periodic boundary conditions on the unit-cell model is a critical step for yielding accurate mechanical response. However, the force loading mode has not been employed in the available meso-scale finite element analysis (FEA) works. In the present work, a meso-scale FEA is conducted to predict the mechanical properties and simulate the progressive damage of 3D braided composites under external loadings. For the same unit-cell model with displacement and force loading modes, the stress distribution, predicted stiffness and strength properties and damage evolution process subjected to typical loading conditions are then analyzed and compared. The obtained numerical results show that the predicted elastic properties are exactly the same, and the strength and damage evolution process are very close under these two loading modes, which validates the feasibility and effectiveness of the force loading mode. This comparison study provides a suitable reference for selecting the loading modes in the unit-cell based mechanical behavior analysis of other textile composites.