Effect of fabric weaves on the dynamic response of two-dimensional woven fabric composites

This study investigated the effect of two-dimensional fabric weaves (plain, twill, and satin) on the vibrational characteristics (natural frequency and damping) of woven carbon/epoxy composites. Natural frequencies of woven composites were measured by experimental modal analysis for plain weave, twill weave, and satin weave composites. The experimentally measured natural frequency results were compared with the ones predicted by numerical free vibration analysis. Numerical analysis was performed using a multiscale modelling approach. First, the impregnated fiber tow properties were predicted using periodic boundary conditions assuming that fibers are perfectly bonded. Then, the homogenized impregnated fiber tow properties and matrix properties were used to predict the natural frequencies of woven composite beams. The experimental and numerical results revealed that satin weave composites possess higher natural frequencies than plain weave composites. Flexural loss factor of woven composites was measured experimentally by dynamic mechanical analysis and half-power bandwidth method. Results from both analyses showed that plain weave composites have higher flexural loss factor as compared to satin weave composites.