A review on temperature effect of 3D multi-directional braided composites: Heat conduction, thermal expansion properties and mechanical response

Owing to the good structural integrity and excellent comprehensive properties, 3D braided composites have become the preferred materials for some main load-bearing components and high-function parts in aerospace, aviation and national defense fields. However, 3D braided composite structures will inevitably be exposed to harsh environments such as high temperature, low temperature or rapid temperature changes during service. Due to the great difference of thermophysical properties between reinforcement and matrix of 3D braided composite, the dimensional stability and service life of the structure will be seriously threatened. This article gives an overview of the thermophysical properties and temperature effect on the mechanical properties of 3D multi-directional braided composites both at home and abroad in recent years. The research results and progress mainly include three aspects: experiment, theory and numerical simulation. Firstly, the effects of braiding process, braiding parameters, ambient temperature, interface and defects on the thermal conductivity and thermal expansion properties of 3D braided composites were analyzed. Secondly, the differences and relations of different structural geometric models were analyzed based on the micro structure, full-scale and multi-scale models. Finally, the influence mechanism of high/low ambient temperature and different load forms on the failure mode and thermal-mechanical coupling behavior of 3D multi-directional braided composites was discussed, and the focus and development direction of existing research work were summarized. © 2021, Editorial Office of Acta Materiae Compositae Sinica. All right reserved.