Finite Element Analysis of Mechanical Properties of 3D Four-Directional Rectangular Braided Composites Part 1: Microgeometry and 3D Finite Element Model

Based on the microstructure of three-dimensional (3D) four-directional rectangular braided composites, a new parameterized 3D finite element model (FEM) is established. This model precisely simulates the spatial configuration of the braiding yarns and considers the cross-section deformation as well as the surface contact due to the mutual squeezing in the braiding process. Moreover, it is oriented in the same reference frame as the composites, which coincides with the actual configuration of 3D braided composites and facilitates the analysis of mechanical properties. In addition, the model investigates the relationships among the structural parameters, particularly the braiding angle and the interior braiding angle, which were not taken into account in the previous models. Based on the parameterized FEM, the structural geometry of the composites is analyzed and some conclusions are drawn herein. Good agreement has been obtained between the calculated and measured values of the geometric characteristics of braided composite samples.