Three-dimensional braided composites with zero, negative and isotropic thermal expansion behavior

Abstract

Three-dimensional braided composites with zero, negative and isotropic coefficient of thermal expansion are presented based on an analytical homogenization technique. The configuration of the braided composites is worked out considering the exact jamming condition leading to higher fiber volume fraction. A total of four configurations of three-dimensional-braided composite representative unit cells were analyzed. Among these, two arrangements are 4-axes and the other two are 5-axes. Special emphasis is given on the detailed description of the representative unit cells. Analysis reveals that a three-dimensional-braided composite configuration with thermoelastic isotropic properties having same coefficient of thermal expansion along x-, y-, and z-axes is achievable. As a special case, the homogenization model is used to predict, for the first time, a configuration of braided architecture and material leading to zero coefficient of thermal expansion along x-, y- and z-directions.