Analytical and Finite Element Modeling of Elastic Behavior of Plain-Weft Knitted Fabric Reinforced Composites

摘要

This paper presents elastic moduli of plain-weft knitted fabric composites obtained from finite element analysis and analytical calculations. For micro-mechanical analyses, a unit cell, enclosing the characteristic periodic repeat pattern in the knitted fabric, is isolated and modeled. Pseudo three-dimensional finite element model is constructed using laminated shell elements. Composite elastic moduli are estimated for plane-stress and plane-strain conditions.