Computer-aided design and modeling of composite unit cells

A novel modeling approach for designing and constructing CAD-based composite unit cells is presented. The modeling technique is developed based on a reasoning Boolean operation algorithm which consists of merging and extracting operation to construct composite unit cells at the heterogeneous material level. Owing to its CAD-based nature, the unit cell models can be readily implemented with advanced CAD/CAE/CAM systems for integrated design, simulation, and manufacturing of advanced composites. A seamless integration between the CAD model and finite element analysis, and results of stress and deformation in composite unit cells and in the fiber and matrix is demonstrated. The proposed modeling technique is able to capture the designed composite geometry, reinforced fiber architecture, and constituent material heterogeneity. Sample unit cells representing 2D woven fabric, 2D basket weave, 3D tri-axial braided, and 3D uni-directional composite are also presented. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.