Work

Multiscale statistical progressive failure analysis of unbalanced woven composites

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Woven composites are widely used across various applications, characterized by the warp and weft tows that intersect perpendicularly to form a weave pattern. Often, the weave architecture is neglected during analysis. This study explicitly models the weave pattern and the undulation of the tows using the NASA Multiscale Analysis Tool, incorporating statistical constituent material properties and measurements of unbalanced composite microstructures. Experimental data and multiscale modeling results were compared for carbon fiber composites manufactured with different tow sizes in the two in-plane directions, resulting in four distinct unbalanced reinforcement patterns. Multiple tensile tests were conducted for each pattern. Using statistical input data, 1000 random model instances were created for each unbalanced composite, predicting distributions of the composite’s Young’s modulus and tensile strength. The predictions demonstrated good agreement with test data, highlighting unique aspects of the modeling approach.

Source: Journal of Composite Materials

DOI: 10.1177/00219983241312905

Authors: Kumar C Jois, Marcus R Welsh, Brett A Bednarcyk

Institutions: RWTH Aachen University, Glenn Research Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Language: English

Topic: Mechanical Behavior of Composites

Subfield: Mechanics of Materials

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,150

Funder: Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz