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Mesomechanical Model for Failure Study of Two Dimensional Triaxial Braided Composite Materials

Li, Xuetao
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1288196629

Abstract Details

2010, Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, Civil Engineering.
Carbon fiber composite materials are being used in aerospace applications due to their excellent mechanical properties, such as high strength and stiffness as well as low density. Two dimensional triaxial braided polymer matrix composites have been shown to have improved performance under impact loads. Recently, many of the aircraft engine manufacturers have used such braided carbon fiber/epoxy composite for engine fan cases. A potential problem in application of triaxial braided composite is to understand the cracking, debonding and delamination. Simulation would reduce time and cost in the development of composite fan cases. Development of accurate computer model for simulation is crucial in predicting deformation and failure and to help understand experimental results. Multi-scale modeling is a well established approach to simulating textile composite behavior. This research focused on meso level modeling of triaxial braided composites. The unit cell scheme is used to take into account internal braiding architectures as well as mechanical properties of three phases: fibers tows, matrix and tow interfaces. Model requires local properties of the material so micromechanics approach is used to produce those material parameters for the model. Failure initiation and progressive damage concept has been implemented in the fiber tows by using the Hashin failure criterion and a damage evolution law. The weak/imperfect fiber tow interface is modeled by using a cohesive zone approach, where a zero thickness cohesive element technique is used and a mixed mode cohesive law is adopted based on fracture mechanics principles to evaluate crack initiation and predict crack propagation. This meso scale modeling technique has been used to examine and predict the failure observed in coupon tests. The tensile deformation and damage response of braided specimens is simulated and the results compared to experimentally obtained data. The effects of the fiber tow interface were investigated based on the effective deformation response. Furthermore, the local damage computed by the simulations is compared to the damage patterns observed experimentally to attempt to quantify the causes of the local damage and to examine their effects on the effective deformation response. By comparing the analytical results to those obtained experimentally, the applicability of the developed model is assessed and the failure process is investigated. In order to enhance the model, through parameter studies were carried out. At the same time, by incorporation of classical laminate theory, a connection between models of meso scale and macro scale was set up. The latter could be used to predict response of braided composite structures under impact loading. In such a manner, a frame work of multi-scale modeling of braided composites has been set up.
Wieslaw Binienda, PhD (Advisor)
Ernian Pan, PhD (Committee Member)
Yun Gunjin, PhD (Committee Member)
Gao Xiaosheng, PhD (Committee Member)
Kevin Kreider, PhD (Committee Member)
Robert Goldberg, PhD (Committee Member)
150 p.
Civil Engineering
Two dimensional tri-axially braided composite; Mesomechanical modeling; Unit cell; Progressive degradation; Cohesive; Debonding; Straight sided specimen test

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Li, X. (2010). Mesomechanical Model for Failure Study of Two Dimensional Triaxial Braided Composite Materials [Doctoral dissertation, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1288196629

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Li, Xuetao. Mesomechanical Model for Failure Study of Two Dimensional Triaxial Braided Composite Materials. 2010. University of Akron, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1288196629.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Li, Xuetao. "Mesomechanical Model for Failure Study of Two Dimensional Triaxial Braided Composite Materials." Doctoral dissertation, University of Akron, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1288196629

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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This open access ETD is published by University of Akron and OhioLINK.