Characterization of Constitutive Behavior of Satin-Weave Fabric Composite

Abstract

As the use of woven fabric composites increases, understandingtheir elastic behavior is essential. For this study, an experimental approach wasundertaken to determine the elastic properties of a woven fabric composite, witha focus on determining stiffness coupling terms that are often neglected in analyticaland FEA models. Specimens were fabricated with a 5-harness satin-weave carbon–epoxy composite and were subjected to three loading conditions: tension, bending,and torsion. The approach taken to calculate the stiffness (or compliance) matrixterms is presented, along with symmetry properties that provide some relationshipsbetween these terms. The results indicate that the minor coupling terms are difficultto quantify due to the small strains that need to be measured. The results indicatethat the minor coupling terms are very sensitive to fiber misalignment. Carefulfiber alignment along the longitudinal (warp) direction of test coupons givescoupling terms corresponding to that direction which are much less sensitive to thefiber misalignment. The major in-plane and out-of-plane compliance terms were alsomeasured by the tests conducted.