Mechanics of three-dimensional braided structures for composite materials – part III: nonlinear finite element deformation analysis

In the previous two parts of this series of papers, the fabric structures of three-dimensional braided composites were simulated and the fibre volume fraction was derived [Z.X. Tang, R. Postle, Compos. Struct. 49 (2000) 451]. The models of tensile and shear moduli for three-dimensional braided composites were established by computer simulation and mathematical modelling. The results predicted from the modulus models were supported by the...