Finite element analysis of the tensile properties of 2.5D braided composites

As for 2.5D layer-to-layer angle interlock braided composites, a new finite element model of 2.5D braided composites is established, which truly simulate the profile and tending towards of tows in fabric. The material properties of tows are defined to variate with the undulation of tows in this model. The finite element software ANSYS is adopted to study the mechanical properties of 2.5D braided composites and presented its stress nephogram, and the influence of the arranged density of the warp and weft tows on the elastic moduli of this material is analyzed in detail. Then, samples are made by resin transfer molding (RTM) technique and tensile tests are performed to determine the mechanical properties. Finally, the present models are found to correlate reasonably well with the experimental, predicted and measured results available in the literature.