Optimization study of 3D orthogonal reinforcement

This Note deals with an optimization study for the representative elementary volume (REV) of the 3D orthogonal reinforcement in order to suggest the internal geometry of wicks as well as the prediction of mechanical and damage properties under axial loading. The applied method of optimization is the one of the sequential quadratic programming (SQP). The mechanical properties are determined by a homogenization study based on the average sum of the rigidities of the constituents and the composite resistance is searched starting from the application of the 3D Tsai-Wu failure criterion. The proposition of the weaving is spotted by the internal geometry represented by the fibers volume fractions, their proportions in each direction and the weaving step of the vertical reinforcement. The results of this study are compared to experimental studies about 3D orthogonal with carbon reinforcements.