Finite element analyses on transverse impact behaviors of 3-D circular braided composite tubes with different braiding angles

This paper presents finite element analyses (FEA) on the transverse impact responses of 3-D circular braided composite tubes with the braiding angles of 15°, 30° and 45°. A finite element model of the braided composite tube was established at microstructure level to analyze the transverse impact behaviors. From the FEA results, the impact damage, deformation and stress distribution were obtained to analyze the damage mechanism. Stress propagation in lower braiding angle tubes was faster than that of the higher braiding angle. The impact responses of the braided composite tubes were also tested to obtain load–displacement curves and energy absorption for the comparisons with the FEA results. The impact damage and fracture morphology obtained from the FEA were in good agreement with the experimental results, which demonstrated the feasibility of the FEA model for the design of the braided tube.