A BINARY MODEL OF TEXTILE COMPOSITES .1. FORMULATION

This paper presents a finite element model of polymer composites with three-dimensional (3D) reinforcement. The model performs Monte Carlo simulations of failure under monotonic and fatigue loading. The formulation of the model is guided by extensive prior experimental observations of 3D woven composites. Special emphasis is placed on realistic representation of the pattern of reinforcing tows, random irregularity in tow Positioning, randomness of the strengths of constituent elements, and the mechanics of stress redistribution around sites of local failure. The constitutive properties of model elements (or their distributions) are based on micromechanical models of observed failure events. Material properties that are appropriately analyzed by the model are contrasted with those amenable to much simpler models. Some illustrative model simulations are presented. Prescriptions for the calibration of the model for design and reliability applications and details of its performance in simulating the elastic and damaged regimes of 3D woven composites will appear in subsequent papers.