Finite element modeling of compressive properties of three-dimensional woven composites under various strain rates.

The compression properties of three-dimensional angle-interlock woven E-glass fabric/vinyl ester composite material along thickness direction under quasi-static (0.001 s−1) and high strain rates (800, 1600, and 2700 s−1) were investigated with finite element method and compared with those in experimental. The finite element method model was based on the three-dimensional woven composite microstructure. It was found that the compressive properties are sensitive to strain rate both in finite element method and experimental. The finite element method results showed good agreements with that of experimental in stress–strain curves and fracture morphologies. The obvious strain rate sensitivity of the compression properties and failure modes of three-dimensional angle interlock composites was both verified with the finite element method model and results in experimental. The compressive stiffness and maximum compressive stress increased with the strain rate while the failure strain showed an opposite trend. The failure mode is mainly in shear failure. The compressive failure mechanisms have been analyzed from the different components of the three-dimensional woven composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]