Buckling analysis of three dimensional braided composite plates under uniaxial loading using Inverse Hyperbolic Shear Deformation Theory

Three dimensional braided composites exhibit several distinct advantages which are not realised in traditional laminates. This is due to the out of plane orientation of some fibers & fully integrated nature of fiber arrangements of three dimensional braided composites that enhance stiffness/strength in the thickness direction and eliminate the inter-laminar surface characteristics. A recently developed Inverse Hyperbolic Shear Deformation Theory (IHSDT) has proved its accuracy and efficiency for static and buckling analysis of laminated composite and sandwich structures. However, its efficacy for the three dimensional braided composites has not examined so far in the literature. In present study, applicability and efficacy of IHSDT has been analysed for the buckling analysis of three dimensional braided composite plates. The effects of various parameters of three dimensional braided composite on the buckling response are examined in details. It is observed that the geometric parameter (aspect ratio), fiber volume fraction and braiding angle have a significant effect on the buckling response of the braided composite plates. It is also observed from the results that the IHSDT accurately predicts the buckling responses of the braided composite plates. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.