Analytical study of strength and failure behaviour of plain weave fabric composites made of twisted yarns

A two-dimensional analytical method is presented for the failure behaviour of plain weave fabric composites made of twisted yarns. The studies have been carried out on laminates with different configurations under on-axis uni-axial tensile loading. The cross-sectional area of the yarn was taken to be elliptical and the yarn path was taken to be sinusoidal. Different stages of failure are considered in the analysis. It has been observed that there is no significant reduction in tensile strength properties of plain weave fabric composites as a result of twisting of yarns. For E-glass yarns, twisting of yarns up to 5°, can facilitate ease of fabrication without significantly compromising the strength properties of the woven fabric composites.     

Micromechanics models for mechanical and thermomechanical properties of 3D through-the-thickness angle interlock woven composites

In this paper, a laminate block modeling approach for three-dimensional (3D) through-the-thickness angle interlock woven composites is used to develop one finite element analysis (FEA) model and two analytical models, namely the “ZXY model” and the “ZYX model”. These models can be used to determine the mechanical properties and the coefficients of thermal expansion for 3D through-the-thickness angle interlock woven composites. A parametric study shows that there is good agreement between these FEA and analytical models. The parametric study also demonstrates the effects of the fiber volume fraction of the warp weaver (i.e., z yarn) and the space between two adjacent filler yarns on the mechanical properties and the coefficients of thermal expansion. Finally, the present models are found to correlate reasonably well with the predicted and measured results available in the literature.     

Behavior of 3D orthogonal woven CFRP composites. Part II. FEA and analytical modeling approaches

In this paper, a 3D macro/micro finite element analysis (FEA) modeling approach and a 3D macro/micro analytical modeling approach are proposed for predicting the failure strengths of 3D orthogonal woven CFRP composites. These approaches include two different scale levels, macro- and micro-level. At the macro-level, a relatively coarse structural model is used to study the overall response of the structure. At the micro-level, the laminate block microstructure is modeled in detail for investigating the failure mechanisms of 3D orthogonal woven CFRP composites. The FEA and analytical models developed previously [Tan P, Tong L, Steven GP. Modeling approaches for 3D orthogonal woven composites, Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 1998:17;545–577] are employed to predict the mechanical properties of 3D orthogonal woven CFRP composites. All models presented in this paper are validated by comparing the relevant predictions with the experimental results, which were reported earlier in Part I of the paper [Tan P, Tong L, Steven GP. Behavior of 3D orthogonal woven CFRP composites. Part I. Experimental investigation, Composites, Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 2000:31;259–71]. The comparison shows that there is a good agreement for the mechanical properties. An acceptable agreement exists for the failure strength in the x or stuffer yarn direction even though the FEA model gives a lower bound and the analytical model gives an upper bound. However, for the failure strength in the y or filler yarn direction, the difference between the predicted and experimental results is significant due to primarily ignoring of the waviness of filler yarn in the models. A curved beam model, which considers the waviness of the filler yarn, will be presented in Part III of the paper.     

含缺陷平纹机织复合材料拉伸力学行为数值模拟

基于平纹机织复合材料的细观结构单胞模型, 考虑其制备过程中产生的孔隙缺陷为随机分布的特征, 通过引入两参数Weibull分布函数, 应用Python语言实现了ABAQUS的二次开发, 并采用Linde等提出的失效准则, 建立了含孔隙缺陷平纹机织复合材料的渐进损伤模型, 利用有限元数值方法模拟了其拉伸应力-应变行为, 针对该模型, 讨论了孔隙缺陷对材料拉伸应力-应变行为的影响, 并阐述了该平纹机织复合材料单胞模型在经向拉伸载荷作用下其纤维束的损伤及演化过程。结果表明, 该模型给出的数值模拟结果与实验数据吻合较好, 证明了模型的有效性, 为该类材料的优化设计及其力学性能分析提供了一种有效方法。      

Compressive response and failure of fiber reinforced unidirectional composites

The compressive response of polymer matrix fiber reinforced unidirectional composites (PMC's) is investigated via a combination of experiment and analysis. The study accounts for the nonlinear constitutive response of the polymer matrix material and examines the effect of fiber geometric imperfections, fiber mechanical properties and fiber volume fraction on the measured compressive strength and compressive failure mechanism.Glass and carbon fiber reinforced unidirectional composite specimens are manufactured in-house with fiber volume fractions ranging over 1060 percent. Compression test results with these specimens show that carbon fiber composites have lower compressive strengths than glass fiber composites. Glass fiber composites demonstrate a splitting failure mode for a range of low fiber volume fractions and a simultaneous splitting/kink banding failure mode for high fiber volume fractions. Carbon fiber composites show kink banding throughout the range of fiber volume fractions examined. Nonlinear material properties of the matrix, orthotropic material properties of the carbon fiber, initial geometric fiber imperfections and nonuniform fiber volume fraction are all included in an appropriate finite element analysis to explain some of the observed experimental results. A new analytical model predictionof the splitting failure mode shows that this failure mode is favorable for glass fiber composites, which is in agreement with test results. Furthermore, this modelis able to show the influence of fiber mechanical properties, fiber volume fraction and fiber geometry on the splitting failure mode.     

Comparison between voxel and consistent meso-scale models of woven composites

The applicability of voxel meshes to model the mechanical behavior of woven composites at the mesoscopic scale is studied and compared to consistent Finite Element (FE) meshes. The methods are illustrated by mechanically modeling a Representative Unit Cell (RUC) of a composite made of four layers of glass fiber plain weave fabric embedded in an epoxy matrix. Mesh convergence is studied to determine the minimum element size necessary to obtain a correct yarn volume fraction. The comparison between both methods is based on (i) homogenized macroscopic elastic properties, (ii) local stress fields, and (iii) first damage prediction. Even if a good agreement is obtained for the elastic properties, the stress concentrations due to the steplike shape of voxels induce significant differences between both methods in terms of first damage prediction.     

纤维束波动效应对平纹编织复合材料损伤行为的影响

平纹编织复合材料中纤维束波动效应会引起随动材料主方向变化及面外剪切应力集中,为了研究其对平纹编织复合材料力学性能及损伤行为的影响,提出改进的像素法细观有限元单胞模型。模型根据纤维束波动曲线定义了材料主方向的变化,采用Hashin准则模拟纤维束的损伤起始,并引入剪切修正因子考虑面外剪切应力对面内拉伸损伤的影响。模型可以预测平纹编织复合材料的面内拉伸强度和损伤演化过程,结果表明:纤维束材料主方向波动会引起平纹编织复合材料面内拉伸强度下降;面外剪切应力集中是导致复合材料最终失效的主要原因,且随着剪切修正因子增大,复合材料面内拉伸强度显著降低;纤维束材料主方向波动和面外剪切应力集中均对平纹编织复合材料的损伤行为和破坏机理产生了影响,需要在数值分析中对其进行准确描述。      

A comparative study of tensile properties of non-crimp 3D orthogonal weave and multi-layer plain weave E-glass composites. Part 2: Comprehensive experimental results

This Part 2 paper presents results of comparative experimental study of progressive damage in 2D and 3D woven glass/epoxy composites under in-plane tensile loading. As Part 1, this Part 2 work is focused on the comparison of in-plane tensile properties of two non-crimp single-ply 3D orthogonal weave E-glass fibre composites on one side and a laminate reinforced with four plies of E-glass plain weave on the other. The damage investigation methodology combines mechanical testing with acoustic emission registration (that provides damage initiation thresholds), progressive cracks observation on transparent samples, full-field surface strain mapping and cracks observation on micrographs, altogether enabling for a thorough characterisation of the local micro- and meso-damage modes of the studied composites. The obtained results demonstrate that the non-crimp 3D orthogonal woven composites have significantly higher in-plane strengths, failure strains and damage initiation thresholds than their 2D woven laminated counterpart. The growth of transverse cracks in the yarns of 3D composites is delayed, and they are less prone to a yarn–matrix interfacial crack formation and propagation. Delaminations developing between the plies of plain weave fabric in the laminate at certain load level never appear in the 3D woven single-ply composites.     

Effects of fiber tow misalignment on the engineering properties of plain weave textile composites

Effects of fiber tow phase angle of the adjacent layers on the engineering properties of plain weave textile composites were studied. Unit cell analyses were performed for two-layer unit cell models with different fiber tow phase angles, and multi-field macroelements were used to reduce computer resource requirements. Results indicated that the engineering properties of plain weave textile composites can vary significantly according to the manner in which the layers are stacked.     

3D finite element analysis of tensile notched strength of 2/2 twill weave fabric composites with drilled circular hole

This paper presents the micromechanical three-dimensional finite element models of the 2/2 twill weave T300 carbon/epoxy woven fabric composite laminates with drilled circular holes of different sizes. A fiber breakage failure criterion for predicting the ultimate tensile notched strength of fiber dominated composites is also proposed. It is found that the location of failure initiation for laminates with large hole size is different from those for laminates with smaller holes while the stress concentration may not occur at the notch roots for the fiber dominated laminates. Based on the uniaxial, shear and von Mises stress distributions in the yarn and matrix, the influence of hole-size on the stress distributions and stress concentration is discussed. Standard tensile tests with modifications are performed for this particular type of woven fabric composites. The apparent strain concentration factors and notched strengths determined by experiments are presented and the finite element models are verified by satisfactory correlation between prediction and experiment.     

Behavior of 3D orthogonal woven CFRP composites. Part I. Experimental investigation

This paper presents an experimental investigation of the mechanical behavior and failure mechanism of three-dimensional (3D) orthogonal woven CFRP composite panels. The 3D composite panels are preformed using Torayca T-300 (3K) carbon fiber, and then infused with the Epicote 828 epoxy resin. The nominal proportions of the stuffer yarn, the filler yarn and the warp weaver (or z yarn) are 1:1.2:0.2, respectively, and the overall fiber volume fraction is 43%. The 3D fiber architectures are measured and visualized in a micrograph form. Quasi-static tensile coupon tests are carried out to measure the in-plane Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, tensile failure strengths and failure strains in both stuffer and filler yarn directions. Test results reveal that the average Young's modulus in the filler yarn direction is higher than that in the stuffer yarn direction, and the average failure strain in the filler yarn direction is lower than that in the stuffer yarn direction. The average failure strength in the filler yarn direction is slightly higher than that in the stuffer yarn direction. The fracture surfaces are studied using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the failure mechanism are then discussed. It is noted by studying the fracture surface that the fracture surface is always perpendicular to the loading direction. The crack causes the z yarn/matrix interface to debond. Also, the fracture of specimen cut along the x- (or stuffer yarn) direction causes filler yarn/matrix interface to debond and stuffer yarn to break, and the fracture of specimen cut along the y- (or filler yarn) direction causes stuffer yarn/matrix interface to debond and filler yarn to break. The testing results are then used to validate the developed models in Parts II and III of these series papers. In Part II, simplified analytical and finite element models are proposed to predict the mechanical property and failure strengths for the 3D orthogonal woven CFRP composites. In Part III, a curved beam model resting on an elastic foundation is presented to predict the tensile strength in the filler direction, and then to investigate the effect of some geometrical parameters on the tensile failure strength in the filler yarn direction.     

Investigation on the compressive properties of the three dimensional four-directional braided composites

The compressive mechanical properties of three dimensional (3D) braided composites are of key concern for design in actual engineering application. A representative volume cell (RVC) is chosen to study the uniaxial compressive mechanical properties of the braided composites with different braid angles by combing damage theory and finite element method. The fiber misalignment and longitudinal shear nonlinearity of braid yarn are considered in the computation model. And their influences on the compressive behavior of the braided composites are also evaluated. The damage development of constituents within the braided composites are obtained and analyzed. The main damage and failure modes and their interaction of braid yarn are provided as well. The numerical results are found that the compressive mechanical behavior of the braided composites with lower braid angle is sensitive to the fiber initial imperfection of braid yarn. The strength of the braided composites with different braid angle is controlled by the different microscopic failure modes.     

An evaluation of different models for prediction of elastic properties of woven composites

A critical analysis of two simple and convenient analytical models for calculation of elastic properties of woven fabric composites is performed. Predictions of these models are compared with results obtained using the method of reiterated homogenization and with experimental data for plain weave glass fiber and carbon fiber polyester composites. Three different scales are identified in the analysis. The first scale predictions, which are the tow properties (obtained by applying Hashin's concentric cylinder model, the Halpin–Tsai expressions or mathematical homogenization technique), are the most critical because they form the input information for woven composite modeling. It appears that the uncertainty in this information causes larger differences in predictions than the deviations between models of different degree of accuracy. This fact sets limits on the required accuracy of the models. Model comparisons reveal that the woven composite model based on isostrain assumption in the composite plane and isostress assumption for out-of-plane components is in very good agreement with both experimental data and the reiterated homogenization method, whereas the modified mosaic parallel model fails to describe composites with large interlaced regions.     

平纹编织SiC/SiC复合材料多尺度建模及强度预测

连续SiC纤维增强SiC基体复合材料（SiC/SiC）具有优异的高温力学性能、辐照稳定性及较低的氚渗透率,在核工程结构领域具有良好的应用前景,掌握其承载状态下的损伤演化和强度性能,对SiC/SiC复合材料的应用具有重要指导意义。本文基于平纹编织SiC/SiC复合材料的制备过程和组分材料分布的多尺度特性,考虑复合材料微观结构的局部近似周期性,建立了纤维丝尺度和纤维束尺度单胞模型。使用有限元分析软件对纤维丝尺度模型的弹性性能和强度性能进行预测,将这些性能参数代入纤维束尺度模型,引入Tsai-Wu失效准则,根据材料的不同失效模式并对失效单元进行方向性刚度折减,模拟了平纹编织SiC/SiC复合材料在单轴拉伸载荷下的渐进损伤过程。数值模拟曲线与试验曲线吻合较好,实现了对平纹编织SiC/SiC复合材料强度的有效预测。      

三维机织结构的几何模型

根据三维机织结构中纱线系统的组成和相应纱线的几何形态,建立了具有普适意义的几何模型,获得了组成三维机织结构各纱线系统在一个结构单元内的纱线长度和取向角,进而计算出纤维体积分数。随后,选择了基于11种不同接结组织的三维机织复合材料试样,测试了试样的纤维体积分数,所得的测试结果与模型输出的预测值有很好的一致性。利用所建立的模型还定量讨论了接结组织对纤维体积分数和取向角的影响。结果表明:分层接结可以提供比正交接结高的纤维体积分数;而正交接结中接结经具有较大的取向,有利于增强三维机织复合材料在厚度方向上的力学性能。     

碳纤维复合材料超声振动辅助RTM工艺的浸润特性

研究了织物类型、纤维体积分数和超声振动对树脂在碳纤维织物中流动特性的影响规律,设计了超声振动辅助RTM工艺过程中单向渗透率测量装置,开展了16组渗透率测试实验,并结合COMSOL软件仿真分析了织物中的树脂流动特性。研究表明,在相同纤维体积分数水平下,斜纹编织物的纤维束间隙通道比平纹织物的更宽,2/2斜纹编织织物渗透率比平纹织物提高了约21.5%。纤维体积分数与织物渗透率呈负相关,其函数关系与半经验公式Kozeny-Carman(KC)方程吻合较好。树脂流动过程中加入超声振动,其超声空化效应、加速度效应和微射流效应作用于纤维丝束表面,提高了织物渗透率约58.2%。有限元仿真模拟了椭圆形和近矩形纤维束截面设计的织物模型的流动过程,结果发现近矩形纤维束截面高流速区域范围更广,流体向纤维布夹层浸渍的速度分量更大。超声作用于织物纤维可能带动纤维丝束蠕动,使纤维束截面趋于近矩形状,从而提高了树脂对纤维织物的浸润性。上述研究结果对优化碳纤维复合材料成型工艺和成型性能具有一定的指导意义。      

Development & Characterization of Green Composites Using Novel 3D Woven Preforms

Green composites are the emerging materials made using natural fibers and environmentally degradable matrix such as green epoxy. Natural fiber composites are the motivation of researchers for low to medium impact applications as well as structural applications like automobiles. In this research work, 3D orthogonal layer to layer (LL) and through the thickness (TT) woven structures with different interlocking patterns, used as preforms in composites are presented. The mechanical properties of preform as well as associated composites are studied on equivalent fiber volume fraction. Jute yarn was woven into four layered 3D woven structures. The use of bridgeable and sustainable fiber, with its prospective use with the biodegradable matrix, is the objective of this work. The focus of this study is to improve mechanical performance by changing weave pattern, so that the resulting composite is robust in design.     

Effect of Yarn Distortion on the Mechanical Properties of Fiber-Bar Composites Reinforced by Three-Dimensional Weaving

A meso-structure model of fiber-bar composites reinforced by three-dimensional weaving (FBCR3DW) is proposed. Optical microscopy images of the preform structure revealed that the fibers along the circumference of the yarn cross-weave were twisted randomly due to alternating yarn winding on either side of the fiber bars during the manufacturing process. Sections of the cross-woven yarn were divided into five regions based on the twist characteristics. Stochastic function theory was used to describe the twist characteristics and to calculate the compliance tensor for each twisted yarn region. The twist characteristics and compliance tensor of each region were then introduced into a finite element model to calculate the elastic properties of the twisted yarn and FBCR3DW; unidirectional tensile stress–strain curves were generated based on the Tsai–Wu failure criterion. Several FBCR3DW specimens with randomly twisted yarns inside the weave structure were used in experimental tests. Our numerical results were in good agreement with the experimental values. Yarn distortion had a significant effect on the elastic properties and axial tensile strength of the yarn; specifically, the influence of yarn distortion on the transverse elastic modulus and transverse shear modulus of FBCR3DW was severe, whereas only a slight effect occurred with regard to the other elastic constants and unidirectional tensile properties. Thus, the proposed method provides an effective reference for modeling fiber composites with a weave structure.     

A new analytical model on predicting the elastic properties of 3D full five-directional braided composites based on a multiunit cell model

A new analytical model based on a multiunit cell model is proposed to predict the elastic properties of 3D full five-directional braided composites (F5DBC). The stiffness-volume averaging method is applied to predict the elastic properties of unit cell models in meso-scale and specimens in global-scale by using the multi-scale modeling procedures. The contribution of all unit cells to the elastic properties of specimen is considered in the analytical model. The predicted elastic properties are in good agreement with the available experimental data, demonstrating the applicability of the model. Also, the effects of the braiding angle and the fiber volume fraction on the elastic properties are discussed in detail. The elastic constants of each unit cell are analyzed and the effect of the number of yarn carriers on the mechanical properties is also investigated. Results indicate that it is convenient to apply the present analytical model to predict the elastic properties of 3D F5DBC due to high computational efficiency.     

Effects of Process-Induced Voids on the Properties of Fibre Reinforced Composites

It is well known that voids have detrimental effects on the performance of composites. This study aims to provide a practical method for predicting the effects of process induced voids on the properties of composites. Representative volume elements(RVE) for carbon ?bre/epoxy composites of various ?bre volume fractions and void contents are created, and the moduli and strengths are derived by ?nite element analysis(FEA). Regression models are ?tted to the FEA data for predicting composite properties including tensile, compressive and shear. The strengths of composite laminates including tensile strength and interlaminar shear strength(ILSS) are calculated with the aid of the developed models. The model predictions are compared with various experimental data and good agreement is found. The outcome from this study provides a useful optimisation and robust design tool for realising affordable composite products when process induced voids are taken into account.