Effect of fibre architecture on tensile pull-off behaviour of 3D woven composite T-joints
Shibo Yan, Xuesen Zeng, A.C. Long
Abstract
3D woven composites are frequently employed due to their improved through-thickness properties and high damage tolerance compared with laminated composites. Due to the large design space for 3D weave patterns, an in-depth understanding of the relationship between the weave parameters and mechanical properties is essential for the design of these materials. This numerical study investigates the effect of fibre architecture on the mechanical performance of 3D woven composite T-joints under tensile pull-off loading. Six weave pattern variations, subjected to the same preform manufacturing constraint, are designed and numerically analysed, along with another two that have been manufactured and tested for validation previously. Results show a significant architecture dependence in the mechanical responses. Following the design of experiments on weave patterns, the complex architecture-dependant effect is decoupled by two independent variables, yarn path entanglement and yarn path crossover. The study also provides design recommendations for 3D woven T-joint reinforcements under tensile pull-off loading.