Finite Element Modeling Method of 3D Braided Composites Based on ICT Technique

Abstract

A finite element modeling method based on industrial computed tomography (ICT) technique is proposed to address the insufficient accuracy of traditional grinding method for the meso-structure analysis of composite materials. In this method, the slice images of 3D composites are first acquired by ICT technique. And then, the internal meso-structure images of composite materials are obtained through the digital image processing to the slice images. Finally the meso-structure images are converted to vector format and inputted ANSYS to build the finite element model for the analysis of the mechanical properties. The experimental results show that this method can establish the finite element model and reveal the internal structure and the inherent mechanical properties of composite materials. These researches provide a reference for the manufacture processing of 3D braided composites, and the theoretical basis for the optimal design and performance evaluation. It would be of significance for the improvement of the composites mechanical properties.