Analysis of strain rate sensitivity of carbon/epoxy woven composites

In this paper a numerical analysis of the influence of strain rate in the response of carbon/epoxy woven composites is carried out. Unit cell models at two different length scales have been developed, in order to simulate the behaviour of such composites. An anisotropic plasticity with different hardening rules under different stress states is proposed for the carbon fibre yarns. Results show reasonable variations of the composite strengths under dynamic loads.