Process-induced distortion of triaxially braided composites considering different geometric parameters using simplified constitutive model with effective property

Herein we present a prediction method for the process-induced distortion (PID) of a 2-D triaxially braided composite (TBC) structure at the macroscopic level based on a simplified constitutive model and analytical model for the effective material properties (EMPs). This method can quickly predict the PID considering viscoelastic characteristics and different geometric parameters of the 2-D TBC. The PID trend with curing time of an L-shaped TBC flange was analyzed in detail using a finite element-based curing simulation. Furthermore, the effects of the geometric parameters on the EMPs and PID of the 2-D TBC were investigated. A primary finding is that the in -plane shear modulus of the 2-D TBC had a significant effect on the PID of the cured 2-D TBC structures. This prediction method can be utilized for designing composite structures and molds, thus contributing to the improvement of dimensional precision and capabilities of composite materials and structures.

Automated summary

Herein, a method for predicting the process-induced distortion (PID) of a 2-D triaxially braided composite (TBC) structure at the macroscopic level is proposed. This method takes into account the viscoelastic characteristics and different geometric parameters of the 2-D TBC to quickly predict the PID. A finite element-based curing simulation is used to analyze the PID trend with curing time of an L-shaped TBC flange in detail. The effects of geometric parameters on the effective material properties (EMPs) and PID of the 2-D TBC are also investigated.