Numerical simulation of the non-linear deformation of 5-harness satin weaves

The mechanical behaviour of a polymer composite reinforced by 5-harness satin weave is modelled using a micromechanical approach in which each of its constituents is characterised by a constitutive damage model. The epoxy matrix is modelled using an elasto-plastic with isotropic damage law while the fibrous reinforcements follow a transversely isotropic damage law. A representative unit cell of a 5-harness satin weave has been generated and a set of periodic boundary conditions implemented in order to run micromechanical analyses. Volumetric homogenisation is performed on the obtained micro-stress and -strain fields in order to study stiffness degradation and damage evolution of the satin weave under different in-plane multiaxial loading conditions. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.