Ultimate strength prediction of braided textile composites using a multi-scale approach

In this paper, the strength of braided textile composites is predicted using a multi-scale approach bridging the mesoscale and microscale regimes. Mesoscale finite element models of representative unit cells of biaxial and triaxial braided composites are developed for predicting strength. The constituent stresses of tows inside the braided unit cell are calculated using micromechanics. Correlations between mesoscale stresses and microscale constituent stresses are established by using stress amplification factors. After calculating microscale stresses, a micromechanics-based progressive damage model is employed to determine the damage statuses of braided composites. A volume-averaging homogenization method is utilized to eliminate damage localization in the matrix of tows, and a parametric study is performed to evaluate the effects of damage homogenization. Subsequently, the ultimate strength is predicted for braided composites in which the braiding angle ranges from 15 degrees to 75 degrees. The prediction results are compared with the experimental values, and good agreement is observed.