Modeling Transverse Behavior of Kevlar® KM2 Single Fibers with Deformation-induced Damage

Abstract

A phenomenological continuum model is adapted to describe the transverse mechanical behavior of Kevlar® KM2 single fibers in compression. This model could be used for numerical simulations of the mechanical behaviors of fabrics made of Kevlar® KM2 fibers. An equivalent fiber model is used to form the phenomenological model in terms of nominal stress and nominal stretch ratio. This model includes the features of stress-softening and residual strain to account for the damage caused by transverse compression, making it more accurate to represent the fiber when the effects of physical crossover of warp and fill yarns are considered and multiple loadings are applied. It is demonstrated that this model provides a good agreement with experimental results on the transverse behavior of Kevlar® KM2 single fibers in compression.