Prediction of Tensile Modulus of 3D Four-Directional Braided Composites with Transverse Cracks

Abstract

To a laminate model of 3D four-directional braided composites with periodic transverse cracks, a new normal stress function in weave direction is present. In this function, variations of stress with x and y are considered. By using the principle of minimum complementary energy, stress components in the representative unit are obtained. Tensile modulus of 3D four-directional braided composites with periodic transverse cracks is calculated by utilizing Hashin’s average theory and the principle of minimum complementary energy. To demonstrate the solution, some examples are analyzed.