Longitudinal Elastic Modulus Prediction of a 2-D Braided Fiber Composite

Abstract

An analytical model based on classical laminate plate theory (CLPT) was developed to predict the longitudinal elastic modulus of a 2-D braided fiber composite. A sinusoidal function was used to model the path of undulating strands. This work represents a generalization of the plain weave case as the angle between the strands is not restricted to 90°. The results predicted by the model are in good agreement with other models and are in excellent agreement with experimental results for braided Kevlar 49/epoxy resin tubes. The predicted and experimental results confirmed that the longitudinal elastic modulus of a braided tube is less than that of one composed of laminated layers.