Predicting the nonlinear response and failure of 3D braided composites

The analysis of three-dimensional braided composites is more difficult due to its complex microstructure. A new type of finite element method is used to predict the nonlinear response and damage evolution of three-dimensional braided composites. Good correlation is observed between the predicted and the experimental results presented in the published literature. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.