Micromechanics-based modeling of woven polymer matrix composites

Abstract

A novel approach is combined with the generalized method of cells (GMC) to predict the elastic properties of plain-weave polymer matrix composites (PMCs). The traditional one-step three-dimensional homogenization procedure that has been used in conjunction with GMC for modeling woven composites in the past is inaccurate due to the lack of shear coupling inherent in the model. However, by performing a two-step homogenization procedure in which the woven composite repeating unit cell is homogenized independently in the through-the-thickness direction prior to homogenization in the plane of the weave, GMC can now accurately model woven PMCs. This two-step procedure is outlined and implemented, and predictions are compared with results from the traditional one-step approach as well as other model and experimental results from the literature. Full coupling of this two-step technique within the recently developed Micromechanics Analysis Code with GMC software package will result in a widely applicable, efficient, and accurate tool for the design and analysis of woven composite materials and structures.