Numerical and experimental studies of mechanical behavior and cure induced stresses in 3D woven carbon/epoxy composites

Three dimensional (3D) woven composites became a desirable material in aerospace industry due to their high specific strength and stiffness, and the ability to control amount of fiber in three directions which allows us to tailor mechanical properties for intended applications. However, there are still issues related to formation of residual stresses and microcracking for certain weave patterns impregnated with certain resin types.;In this thesis we present numerical and experimental studies aimed at better understanding of mechanical behavior and cure induced residual stresses in 3D woven carbon/epoxy composites. The micro- and meso-scale numerical simulations of composites' cooling after curing are presented. Finite element models of triaxial stress resin cure experiment are developed to support experimental studies. Numerical simulations are compared to results of mechanical testing of 3D woven composites utilizing extensometer and digital image correlation as strain measurements techniques.