Modeling and prediction of the mechanical properties of woven laminates by the finite element method

Abstract

The paper presents a review of the prediction methods for the mechanical properties of woven fabric laminates by the finite element method. Woven fabrics usually present orthogonal interlaced yarns according to different architectures: here plain-weave and twill weave are considered. A reference volume or unit cell and appropriate boundary conditions to enforce continuity and periodicity in stresses and strains are initially defined. Three-dimensional finite element models are developed and used to predict stiffness and damage evolution up to final rupture of the model laminate. The computational models include several parameters affecting stiffness and strength of woven composites, such the crimp ratio, the weave architecture, the fiber volume fraction and the mechanical characteristics of the constituents. Results of the computational approach and of parallel experimental investigations on carbon fiber reinforced epoxy laminates are compared.