5 - Construction of representative unit cells for FE analysis of textile composite plies

Abstract

One of the main topics in multiscale finite element analysis of textile (or woven) composite plies is the construction of the representative unit cell (RUC) of the weave pattern. In this RUC the fibre bundles, or yarns, are represented as homogenized unidirectional composite material while matrix pockets are represented by an appropriate isotropic material. Key to a good prediction of the homogenized ply properties and internal stresses in the yarns and matrix pockets is an accurate representation of the placement and cross-sectional shape of the yarns. The accuracy of the representation depends on (1) the type of model and (2) the available knowledge about the realistic consolidated as-manufactured position and shape. In this chapter the different types of RUCs are discussed together with the necessary input and expected output. The differences between different types are illustrated by comparing their results to a real dataset from a plain-woven Carbon/Epoxy composite. This, together with advice for further reading, provides the reader with a good starting point for research in this field of research.