Three-dimensional microstructural design of woven fabric composite material by homogenization method

The strength of woven fabric composite materials depends on the microstructural geometry. However, the conventional methods for mechanical analysis, which have been widely used so far, are insufficient because they cannot take into account for the three-dimensional microstructure. In this study, three-dimensional homogenization method is shown to be effective for the evaluations of the material constants, microscopic stresses and the strength. It has been found that the transverse stresses in the direction of lamination play an important role for the fracture of both fiber bundle and resin. Also, the effect of the mismatched lay-up on the strength has been investigated. It has well been predicted that the mismatched lay-up causes the reduction of the strength and the difference of crack initiation in the resin. These simulations give us a new concept of the microstructural design of the composite materials.