Load flow in plain woven composites

ABSTRACT: The increase in computational power has made performing virtual experiments of various textile architectures using detailed three-dimensional finite element analyses practical. Interpretation of the results remains a challenge. The wealth of raw numerical information provided by the typical finite element analysis provides less basis for developing an intuitive understanding than simpler models. A non-standard technique was developed to understand the mechanics of load flow in plain woven composites. This helped not only highlight the important details, but also transform the massive amount of output data into comprehensible modes of behavior, for example, how the load flows in the tow. Using this technique, the behavior of a plain weave was analyzed extensively. This study showed that in the warp tow of a plain weave, the maximum axial and transverse stress resultants occur at the maximum undulation region. An explanation of this behavior was proposed. The variation in transverse stress resultants was explained by using a simple stress transformation technique. The location of stress concentrations correlated with the variation of the stress resultants. The maximum undulation region was seen to be the most susceptible region to initiate damage under applied in-plane tension as well as shear loading. KEY WORDS: textile composites, mechanical properties, finite element analysis (FEA), load flow, plain weave