Regression‐based model for elastic constants of 2D braided/woven open mesh angle‐ply composites

Abstract

Abstract The elastic constants of closed mesh braided/woven fabrics are generally obtained from finite element analysis, fabric geometry model, and modified classical laminate plate theory. These models are complex and often impractical for industrial design purposes and do not address the cases of open mesh braided/woven fabrics. This paper proposes an alternative to existing models and software packages. Simple regression‐based empirical equations were developed to obtain E x , E y , G xy , and ν xy of braided/woven fabrics at any angle‐ply angle using the braid/weave unit cell volume fraction (V f0 ), the fiber volume fraction (V f ), and the elastic constants of an equivalent angle‐ply laminate ( E , E , G , ν ). Design equation predictions were verified by comparing them to a previously validated modified classical laminate plate theory (CLPT) model using various fiber/resin combinations. Excellent agreement was found for each set of results. POLYM. COMPOS., 26:152–164, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers