Influence of binder configuration on 3D woven composites

3D woven composites have the potential to revolutionise structural composites, provided the knock-down in in-plane properties can be minimised through weave optimisation. Since binder tow interactions produce waviness in warp and weft tows, 3D weaving process needs optimisation. This paper presents a predictive modelling tool based on Representative Volume Elements (RVEs) of 3D weaves capturing the binder size as a function of the weaving process. Implemented in Abaqus, this predictive tool is able to predict elastic constants and strength with a reasonable accuracy compared to experimental data.