Large-scale finite element analysis of a 3D angle-interlock woven composite undergoing low-cyclic three-point bending fatigue

This paper reports the large-scale finite element analysis (FEA) of a 3D angle-interlock layer-to-layer woven composite material undergoing low-cyclic three-point bending fatigue at microstructure level. A microstructure geometrical model of the 3D woven composite material was established to model the real structure of the woven composite. The fatigue behaviors of the 3D woven composite undergoing three-point bending with sinusoidal wave-form were investigated from experimental and FEA approaches. Based on displacement-controlled bending and inelastic hysteresis energy fatigue damage criterion, the interior deformation, energy absorption, and stress distribution characteristics during the fatigue process were analyzed. The different failure mechanisms and damage patterns of yarns and resin were discussed. The influence of the 3D woven structure on the fatigue behaviors was discussed. The fatigue damage morphologies and stiffness degradation were obtained to compare with the experimental results. The results show that the most of energy was absorbed by warp yarns. Stress concentration was emerged on the inclined part of warp yarns and the interface between yarns and resin. The damage morphologies from experimental and FEA results are in good agreement. The stiffness degradation curves also show the same tendency.