An analytical and experimental study of strength and failure behavior of plain weave composites

This paper analyzes the strength and failure behavior of plain weave composites. First, the geometrical characteristic's of yam shape, laminate stacking configuration, fiber volume fraction, and yarn packing fraction are investigated using three-dimensional geometrical models. Based on the geometrical characteristics, iso-strain approach is developed to predict elastic properties, stress distributions, and strengths under tensile loading. The laminate stacking configuration and fabric waviness ratio have significant influence on the composite failure behavior. Specimens of iso-phase, out-of-phase and random-phase laminate composites are prepared. The mathematical models developed are evaluated by microscopic observation and tensile tests.