Progressive failure prediction of three-dimensional woven composites using a generic multi-scale analytical model

Three-dimensional (3D) woven composites with higher interlaminar fracture toughness, better damage tolerance and improved mechanical stability are being increasingly used in aviation and automotive industries. To expedite their analysis and design efficiency, developing simple and accurate modeling tools capable of quickly evaluating their mechanical properties and progressive failure is necessary. In this paper, a generic multi-scale analytical model for mechanical response prediction and failure behavior characterization of 3D woven composites is presented and validated by using the existing experimental and numerical results. Subsequently, the analytical model is adopted to evaluate the predictive capability of different unit cell model schemes and to investigate the effects of geometric parameters on stiffness and strength properties of composites. The results indicate that the interior-surface integrated cell model scheme has the overall best performance in mechanical response prediction of composites. In addition, an exponential model and a linear model are proposed to quantify the relationships between the number of weft layer and yarn density and mechanical properties, respectively. The present results demonstrate the analytical model can be a useful tool to provide an insight for the analysis and design of other 3D woven composites.