A multi-scale finite element approach for modelling damage progression in woven composite structures

A significant challenge in the numerical modelling of composite structures with a multi-axis fibre architecture is the reproducibility of the textile mechanics [1]. A numerical analysis procedure for woven composite structures using a multi-scale finite element approach has been developed, and is presented in this paper. The approach is demonstrated for a flat two-dimensional woven glass/epoxy laminate. Digital microscopy is used to estimate tow cross-section and path, and quantify the amount of variation of these parameters. This data is used to generate both a meso-scale model of a single unit cell as well as a macro-scale model of the complete structure. Numerical results from the proposed approach are compared to experimental stress–strain data, which show good agreement in the lower strain range.