Estimating mechanical properties of 2D triaxially braided textile composites based on microstructure properties

In this paper, an analytical model is developed and its estimations are compared against experimental in-plane engineering properties for composites with various textile architectures. Results from the model are also compared against finite element (FE) based computational results. The microstructures of the 2D triaxially braided composite (2DTBC) studied were extensively characterized. The microstructure properties thus measured were used in the analytical model to estimate the mechanical properties. Uniaxial tension and V-notched rail shear tests were conducted on 2DTBC with different textile architectures. Good agreement between the analytical, computational, and experimental results were observed and are reported here. Furthermore, computational estimations of matrix mechanical properties are limited to the linear elastic range of a representative material volume (unit cell) and coupon data. Full mechanical response of larger 2DTBC structures, albeit of prime interest, is beyond the scope of this work and could be the focus of follow up studies.