Multi-scale finite element analysis of 2.5D woven fabric composites under on-axis and off-axis tension

The stress–strain behaviors and progressive damage processes of 2.5D woven fabric composites under uniaxial tension are analyzed using a two-step, multi-scale progressive damage analysis method. The collision algorithm is used to construct the representative volume cell (RVC) of the yarn, with random fiber arrangement. Based on the RVCs of the yarn and the composite, the failure behaviors in the monofilament scale and the tow scale are investigated, respectively. The simulated stress–strain curves of the 2.5D woven fabric composites under on-axis uniaxial tension both in the weft and warp directions show good agreements with the experimental results. Furthermore, the relationship between the decrease of tensile strength and the deflection of the loading direction is obtained. The characteristic failure modes at different off-axis loading angles are analyzed, subsequently.