Homogenization of the elastic behavior of a layer-to-layer angle-interlock composite

Composite materials reinforced with 3D layer-to-layer angle-interlock fabrics are increasingly employed due to their significant resistance to delamination and impact damage, which is not observed in classical 2D laminated composites. However, the prediction of the mechanical behavior of such composites is challenging due to the intricate fibrous architecture. The structure is intimately linked to its history of manufacturing which induces changes in the reinforcement geometry. The purpose of this work is to assess the equivalent membrane and bending elastic moduli of the shell-type structure by an asymptotic homogenization procedure on a periodic unit cell, in the framework of the Love-Kirchhoff plate theory. A specific Python program using Abaqus software package is developed, allowing for parameterized geometrical modeling and mechanical analysis in a systematic and efficient way. This modeling and simulation tool enables to consider the real composite architecture after infusion and the yarn damage during weaving. The effective properties are finally validated using numerical computations on 3D heterogeneous plates and by comparison with experimental tests. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.