Finite Element Analysis of Plain Weave Composites for Flexural Failure

This article presents finite element analysis for flexural behavior of woven composites considering the fiber and the matrix and their interactions. Finite element model using Abaqus program is developed to predict the homogenized properties of plain-weave T300/LTM45 composite. Initially, curved beam elements are used to model each resin-infiltrated fiber bundle. Geometrically, nonlinear analyses of the model with periodic boundary conditions are carried out to obtain effective in-plane and bending properties of the composite. Statistical analysis is presented to study the stiffness variability. The flexural failure of a single-ply composite is estimated based on the homogenized material properties, and is compared with previously published data. The model is able to correct the significant errors in the stiffnesses of the composite and captures the failure behavior accurately. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:581-586,2010. (C) 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers