Ultimate strength prediction of two-dimensional tri-axial braided composites based on an analytical laminate model

Abstract

An analytical laminate model was newly proposed to predict the ultimate strengths of two-dimensional tri-axial braided composites under in-plane loadings. The composite was modeled as a laminate possessing four plies. Among these four plies, there were three plies consisting of unidirectional fibers along with surrounding matrix and one ply containing only matrix. A progressive ply failure analysis was performed. A series of experiments were conducted. The present model was verified experimentally by using our and other researchers’ data. Moreover, we compared this model’s results with the numerical ones obtained by us. The results show that the present model has the potential to predict the effective elastic properties and ultimate strengths of two-dimensional tri-axial braided composites. Finally, the effect of the braid angle on the mechanical properties of a two-dimensional tri-axial braided composite was explored based on the mentioned model.