An analytical model for compressive strength of plain weave fabric composites

An analytical model is presented for the compressive behaviour of plain weave fabric composites under on-axis uniaxial loading. Analysis is based on curved beams on elastic foundation approach. The contributions of all the three structural elements within the plain weave fabric composite, namely longitudinal strand, transverse strand and pure matrix region have been considered. During compressive loading, the load sharing between structural elements is worked out and the stress state throughout the composite is determined. Effect of failed structural elements is taken into account for further calculations. Compressive strength, modulus of elasticity and failure strain data has been generated for different fabric geometries for both plain weave fabric E-glass/epoxy and T300 carbon/epoxy composites. Experiments have been carried out on typical plain weave fabric E-glass/epoxy composites for validation. Effect of fabric geometry on the compressive behaviour of plain weave fabric composites has been presented. (C) 2002 .