Techniques were developed for analyzing plain-weave composites subjected to flexure. These techniques were based on the solutions for an infinite array of unit celts subjected to extension and flexure. Periodic boundary conditions were derived for flexure of the configuration. (Periodic boundary conditions for extension already have been documented in the literature.) The stress distributions and homogenized moduli from the infinite array can be used with simple formulas to predict the variation of flexural stiffness with thickness and the distribution of stresses in thick but finite specimens. For exterior mats, where the accuracy of the predictions was poor, an alternative procedure was developed that gives quite accurate predictions.
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