Investigation on the Bearing Abilities of Three-Dimensional Full Five-Directional Braided Composites with Cut-Edge

The longitudinal tensile experiments of cut-edge effect on the mechanical performance of three-dimensional full five-directional (3DF5D) braided composites were conducted. The specimens involved two different braiding angles and two different cutting ways. Fracture appearance of specimens without cut-edge and cutting along width direction presented flush, while explosive for specimen with cut-edge along thickness direction. The fracture of axis yarns mainly contributed to the damage of specimens. Cut-edge had little influence on the stiffness of 3DF5D braided composites and had approximately 20 % reduction in tensile strength compared with specimens without cut-edge. The periodic boundary conditions under cut-edge and uncut-edge situations were applied to the RVC to simulate the mesoscopic damage mechanism using finite element method. The stress–strain curves and damage evolution nephogram were obtained. The variation of cut-edge effect with the number of inner cells was predicted by superimposing inner cells method, the addition of inner cells could strengthen the performance of 3DF5D braided composites with cut-edge. These results will play an important role in evaluating the mechanical properties of braided materials after cutting.