Failure Prediction of Three-Dimensional Conoid Braided Composite Material Under Compression Loading

The paper addresses failure analysis of vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) manufactured carbon three-dimensional (3-D) braided composites under compressive fatigue loading. The fatigue stress is applied as a percentage of ultimate compressive strength (UCS). It is observed that the ultimate compressive strength is a function for the average surface braided angle, fiber volume percentage and void content. A statistical approach is proposed to predict the ultimate compressive strength of three-dimensional braided composites using average surface braided angle, fiber volume percentage and void content. This method involves finding four statistical parameters. Using these parameters, the UCS for the 3-D braided composite material can be predicted.In addition, a new algorithm is proposed to measure average braided angle of three-dimensional by using preform texture. The technology has been used for predicting mechanical properties of 3-D braided composite material at composite material institute of Tianjin polytechnic university.