In-Plane Thermal Expansion and Thermal Bending Coefficients of Fabric Composites

Abstract

This paper examines the in-plane thermal expansion coefficients and thermal bend ing coefficients of fabric composites. Three physical models have been adopted. The "mosaic model" provides a simple means for estimating these thermal properties. The one-dimensional "fiber undulation model" and the two-dimensional "bridging model" are suitable in particular for analyzing the thermomechanical behavior of plain weave and satin weave composites, respectively. The experimental results on in-plane thermal expansion coefficients of a 5-harness satin composite agree well with the theory.