Finite Element Analysis of Warp-Reinforced 2.5D Woven Composites Based on a Meso-Scale Voxel Model under Compression Loading

A study is conducted with the aim of developing meso-scale voxel-based model for evaluating the compressive behaviors of warp-reinforced 2.5D woven composites. The real microstructure of warp-reinforced 2.5D woven composites is established. For the validation of this model, a series of axial (warp direction) and transverse (weft direction) compressive tests are conducted. The results show that under axial and transverse compressive loading, the calculated max stress and the final damage morphology agree well with the experimental results. Moreover, it is found that the axial compressive strength is mainly dependent on the high-crimp blinder warp, while the transverse compressive strength is significantly influenced by the warp/weft interlaced regions. It is expected that such a numerical investigation will provide useful information for understanding the strength and failure characteristic of 2.5D woven composites.