An integrated approach to the mechanical and geometrical modelling of textile structural composites

An integrated geometrical and mechanical model is developed to predict the elastic properties of textile reinforced composites. The geometrical approach is based on a processing science model coupled with graphical rendering. The mechanical approach implements a finite element technique with micro-level homogenization. Both approaches are linked through a geometrical characterization routine using a volume intersection concept.; A geometrical verification technique is devised from image analysis methods to verify the geometrical model. This technique is able to quantify the geometrical features of the preform from the composite micro-graphical two dimensional serial images. Mechanical testing was applied to verify the relevant numerical predictions.; Two composite systems were tested: (i) tri-axial carbon/epoxy braided laminated composite and (ii) three dimensional woven E-glass/poly-vinyl-ester composite. Theoretical model predictions were in agreement with experimental results.