Multi-scale modeling of the mechanical response of plain weave composites and cellular solids

Abstract

Multi-component materials with customized mechanical properties, such as textile composites and sandwich materials (cellular core with metallic or composite skin), show a great prospective for use in aerostructures. Understanding of the mechanical response of these materials is still in progress. In the present paper, the tensile response of plain weave composites as well as the compressive response of cellular solids are investigated using a multi-scale damage model. The model, implemented by means of the FE method, is based on homogenized progressive damage modeling of a representative unit-cell. Four failure modes have been considered in the failure analysis of the tows, while material property degradation was performed using a damage mechanics approach which takes into account strain softening. For the cellular solids, two different types of FE models were considered namely, a beam model and a shell model. Failure analysis and material property degradation of the struts were integrated into a bilinear material model. Simulations show a non-linear tensile response of the plain weave mainly attributed to matrix cracking and shear failures occurring at warp tows and resin-rich areas. For the cellular solid, preliminary elastic analyses show a customizability of the normal stiffness with regard to strut’s dimensions.