Evaluation methods for predicting the elastic constants of C/Epoxy plain-weave composites by considering the realistic mesostructures.

Variabilities of mesostructures existing in textile composites can affect their mechanical properties. Most of the deterministic mechanical models are based on the assumptions of ideal Representative Volume Element, which cannot predict the mechanical properties accurately. Two analytical models predicting the elastic constants of C/Epoxy plain-weave composites by considering the realistic mesostructures are presented in this paper. These models utilize the variable metric stochastic theory to introduce the fluctuations of yarn feature parameters (yarn path and elliptical cross-section parameters) into the model of macro elastic properties. C/Epoxy plain-weave composite is taken as an example to quantify the influences of realistic yarn feature parameters on the elastic constants of the composite. The predicted elastic constants by analytical models and finite element method are verified by the results of mechanical experiments. It can be concluded that for C/Epoxy plain-weave composite the stochastic fluctuations of yarn feature parameters reduce in-plane elastic moduli by a maximum of 4%, and increase the in-plane shear modulus and Poisson's ratio by a maximum of 15% and 33%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]