Multilevel, micro/macro-approach for analysis of woven-fabric composite plates

An approach was developed to analyze woven-fabric composite structures based on microlevel properties of the fiber and matrix materials. The approach is based on bilateral relationships among the fiber and matrix materials, unidirectional composites (strands), woven fabric layers, and laminated composite structures, as given in the sequence. Simplified analytical models were developed for the relationship between any two subsequent levels. The approach can predict the stiffness, strength and progressive failure of woven-fabric composite structures using material properties of the fiber and matrix materials, their volume fractions, and the information for weaving and lamination. Progressive failure can be described at the fundamental level like fiber failure, matrix failure and interface failure. Example problems were presented for evaluation of predicted stiffness, strength, and failure for plain-weave composite plates subjected to inplane or bending loads.