Macroscale Independently Homogenized Subcells for Modeling Braided Composites

Abstract

A method is needed which has the capability to analyze the impact response of carbon fiber composites, specifically those with a triaxially braid architecture. An analytical tool can be used to meet this need. This more accurate and versatile numerical simulation tool will help to better analyze the effect of dominant composites properties on impact deformation and failure in composite structures. Composites are required to resist ballistic impact loading to be used as protective structures. It is necessary to develop a simulation tool that can systematically calculate input parameters for the accurate simulation of both ballistic limit and damage patterns. In order to capture the complex composite material systems, a top-down approach will be merged with a bottom-up approach for modeling the ballistic limit and damage patterns in large scale textile composites. The top-down portion will use global strengths obtained from macro-scale coupon level testing to characterize the material strengths. The bottom-up portion will use micro-scale fiber and matrix stiffness properties to characterize the material stiffness. By combining these two approaches, all the micromechanical mechanisms can be captured without having to individually identify and characterize them. The combination will be an advantageous approach for modeling macro-scale composite structures because the micromechanical mechanisms can be accounted for even when using larger mesh sizes.