Multi-scale modeling of 3D woven structures for mechanical performance

3D woven materials are characterized by complex internal fiber architectures leading to complex failure patterns. Due to limitations in available computational power, conventional modelling techniques are limited to either a meso or macro scale which in turns fails to capture the complex phenomena occurring across multiple length scales and effects on a 3D woven mechanical response. To counter these limitations, a multiscale framework for modelling of 3D woven structures is proposed. The modeling process under this framework is divided in two major phases, kinematic and mechanical. The proposed kinematic approach is capable of modelling feature/component scale fabric deformations and defects generated in preforms during weaving and compaction. The mechanical modelling phase extracts the yarn mechanical properties from the kinematic results and runs a multiscale mechanical analysis to find the mechanical response of a finished as woven component.