Finite element analysis of the plate twist test applied to shear measurements of 3D-woven textile composites

摘要

Certain shortcomings of laminated composites have led to a substantial research effort to overcome these limitations by utilising three-dimensional reinforcement structrues. 3D-woven fabrics represent one class of promising architectures for use in structural components. Due to the high degree of heterogeneity traditional test methods to characterise this kind of material cannot always be used in the same way as for homogeneous materials. In this paper the applicability of the plate twist test to 3D-woven composites is investigated by using the finite element method. This test was originally developed for plywood but has also been used for unidirectional composite materials. In this study the effects of anisotropy and heterogeneity on the measurements are investigated numerically. For the examination of the heterogeneous nature of these materials a new concept is applied. It uses a functional description of the spatial variations of the material stiffness over the fabric structrue.