Finite element analyses of stress distributions of three-dimensional angle-interlock woven composite subjected to three-point bending cyclic loading

Abstract

This paper presents the finite element simulation of stress distribution features of 3D layer-to-layer angle-interlock woven composite undergoing three-point bending cyclic loading. With the finite element analysis model, a microstructure shell element model of the woven composite at yarn level was established to calculate the fatigue behaviors and stress distribution during cyclic loading. The stress distributions in the warp, weft yarns, and the resin regions have been calculated to show the stress difference in the woven composite. It has been observed that the warp yarns share the most part of the stress or loading, i.e. the strength warp yarn is more important than that of the weft yarn for the fatigue design. In addition, the stress distributions at the locations where the weft yarns crossover the warp yarns have been investigated. The stress degradations of the top and bottom surface of the woven composite panels were also compared with those in experimental and good agreement was found. With the stress distribution in the woven composite, the method of improving the fatigue damage tolerance was expected to be developed.