Finite element modeling of mechanical properties of 3D five-directional rectangular braided composites

A new parameterized finite element model (FEM) is established for 3-Dimensional (3D) five-directional rectangular braided composites. The model precisely simulates the spatial configuration of the braiding yarns and the axial yarns with consideration of the cross-section deformation as well as the surface contact in the braiding process. Moreover, this model orients in the same reference frame as the composites and the relationships among the structural parameters, particularly the braiding angle and the interior braiding angle, are investigated. A prediction of the effective elastic properties and the meso-scale mechanical response of 3D five-directional braided composites have been presented to verify the validation of the FEM. The effects of the braiding parameters on the mechanical properties are investigated in detail in this study. The results indicate that it is convenient to predict all the elastic constants of 3D five-directional braided composites with different parameters simultaneously using the FEM. Moreover, the FEM can successfully predict the meso-scale mechanical response of 3D five-directional braided composites containing periodical structures. In the mean while, the geometric characteristics and the mechanical properties of 3D five-directional and 3D four-directional braided composites have been compared. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.